I found this blog post to be very interesting and helpful.

Why do our loved once stick around with their “old” patterns of behaviour, of choosing relationships, of thinking or feeling?

It might be because they are familiar and in a way there is comfort in that, whether the familiar is positive or negative. The point is: they know where they stand with their usual behaviours and other patterns.

The unknown is a scary prospect. It is easier to stay “here” (or “there”)…for a bit longer…

before change can happen…

Source: the risks of getting well. [alternatively titled: it’s painful to watch people keep making ‘bad’ choices, but maybe they have a reason to stay stuck.]