The Bridge Edwin H. Friedman Analysis

The story, “The Bridge” by Edwin H. Friedman is a provoking, emotional message that explores when a person should hold on and when it is time to let go. Sometimes, we think it is our responsibility to take control when someone is in need, making all of their struggles their own. So, on top of your own problems and struggles, you have someone else’s too. Much like the story, we “instinctively hold tight” when someone is in need. Leading us to be left with no choice but to hold onto a person because “if you let go, they will be lost.” I related to this story because I believe it is my responsibility as a good friend, sister and daughter to help someone in need. However, it is also our responsibility to take care of ourselves. By holding onto the rope, the man was not able to go out and search for the “right opportunity” and take control of his own life. It is often hard to act selfishly but sometimes can be the right choice.

This story made me think about how I was raised by my parents. I was taught to take chances even if that meant I might fail. Similarly to the story, I learned my lessons throughout my struggles in life. Experiencing negative things in life is the only way to grow and be transformed by them. Although it is not taught to be “selfish”, at the end of the day, it is your main responsibility to take

There is a difference to helping your friend go through struggles and problems than the relationship becoming toxic and overwhelming. Your duty as a friend is to help out and not just stand by and watch. However, in the story, the man jumped off the bridge and did not take responsibility for himself in the first place. You can only do as much as the person is willing to do. This is the time when you must think to yourself: If the person cannot take responsibility for him or herself in the first place, how can