When Help Isn't Helpful

Have you ever replayed a conversation from years ago and suddenly known exactly what you should have said? Maybe you're not really trying to rewrite the conversation. Maybe you're trying to make peace with the person you were when you had it. Join me as we Calm it Down in 3...2.. ...  Show more

A start to the week about how quickly you dismiss your own feelings—and what it would be like to let one simply exist. 

Sometimes, helping can hurt. When people are struggling, our impulse is to try to pull them back on their feet, when what they really need is for someone to sit beside them and ask, "What do you need? What can I do?" Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's websit ...  Show more

When someone is struggling, it's hard to know how to be helpful. Whether it's a struggling partner, co-worker or friend, this episode will help you show up in a more supportive, empowering way using a couple of simple steps. Be a good listener, without over supporting or taking o ...  Show more

We often rush to offer solutions when a loved one expresses emotional distress, not because we don't care, but because it's uncomfortable to witness pain—both theirs and our own. While advice and plans may seem helpful, skipping over empathy and validation can make others feel di ...  Show more

How much help is too much? This question hits close to home for many of us. We all want to be there for our friends and family, but there comes a point where we need to step back.  Offering too much help can end up making them dependent on us, preventing them from learning to sta ...  Show more