Chapter 19
When Friends Show Their True Colors
A few days passed away, and Catherine, though not allowing herself to suspect her friend, could not help watching her closely. The result of her observations was not agreeable. Isabella seemed an altered creature. When she saw her, indeed, surrounded only by their immediate friends in Edgar’s Buildings or Pulteney Street, her change of manners was so trifling that, had it gone no farther, it might have passed unnoticed. A something of languid indifference, or of that boasted absence of mind which Catherine had never heard of before, would occasionally come across her; but had nothing worse appeared, that might…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
The Red Flag Inventory
Think of a relationship in your life where you've noticed concerning patterns but found yourself making excuses. List the specific behaviors that worry you, then write down the explanations you've been giving yourself for each one. Finally, imagine a stranger was describing this exact situation to you—what advice would you give them?
Consider:
- •Focus on actions and patterns, not intentions or promises
- •Notice when you're working harder to explain someone's behavior than they are to change it
- •Consider what message your continued acceptance sends about your boundaries
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you chose comfort over truth in a relationship. What did it cost you in the long run, and what would you do differently now?
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