Yeah, I’ve been there. When you’re constantly looking out for someone, the line can blur. I try to remember what’s truly their choice—whether they’re moving forward or stuck because I’ve put a hand on it. I keep checking in, ask “Do you want that?” and give space. If I notice myself thinking, “It’s safer if I do this,” I pause and ask, “Is that what they need or what I’m scared of?” It’s a tightrope, but the trick is to trust their strength and just be there when they need the hand, not the leash.

I hear that, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the safest thing is to let the rope slack a bit. I keep my hand in the moment, not in the future, and I check in to see if the other person feels pulled or free. It’s a balancing act, but the right tension is what keeps the safety net from turning into a cage.