How do you uphold your power in relationships? Do you have clear boundaries? Do you allow people to violate your boundaries time and time again? Not following through on your communicated intentions sets a clear message: you do not respect your own boundaries.
In any relationship there is going to be conflict. There is also going to some sense of power struggle. Think of children and teenagers pushing as far as they can to see what they can and cannot get away with. By being clear about what you will tolerate with other people and then acting as such is a sure way to maintain your power. No one can take your power away unless you let them. So, don’t! You can have healthy, functioning relationships, it just takes effort and a strong, mental attitude.