[janbear]

At first our coping mechanisms may affect our lives only in small ways. However, over time we can develop hurts habits and hang ups, that have devastating consequences. In the beginning, for example, the need to control all of life's circumstances may only cause arguments in a family. However these control issues may eventually result in the separation of a husband and wife and the destruction of a family. A mother's occasional loss of temper may escalate into daily beatings and the removal of the child from the home. Trying to lose weight quickly by skipping meals may result in anorexia and lengthy hospital confinements. A drink at the end of each day for relaxation could develop into alcoholism and to lead to time spent in jail for drunk driving.

To be continued