230: How to Small Talk with Big Results | Feedback Friday

Toxic Behaviors

Jason DeFillippo shares a listener's story about ending a four-year relationship due to emotional abuse and lies. Jordan Harbinger emphasizes the importance of recognizing red flags, such as accusations of cheating and manipulative behavior. He advises setting boundaries and moving on from toxic relationships, noting that staying can lead to further emotional harm 1.

Pay attention to this stuff. You've set your boundaries. She broke them. Now it's time for consequences. I'd say run. Don't walk away from this relationship.

--- Jordan Harbinger

Jordan also highlights the manipulative tactics used by toxic partners to control behavior and instill guilt, urging listeners to prioritize their well-being 2.

   

Supporting Partners

Jordan Harbinger offers advice on supporting a partner under stress, particularly during high-pressure situations like studying for the bar exam. He suggests maintaining personal activities to avoid transferring anxiety to the partner and emphasizes the importance of understanding and not feeling neglected 3.

Sometimes being supportive is doing less and making sure that you're putting less of your own stuff back into other people when they're trying to focus on what they need to focus on.

--- Jordan Harbinger

Jason DeFillippo adds that small supportive gestures, like ensuring proper sleep and nutrition, can significantly alleviate a partner's stress. He advises against letting one's own anxiety exacerbate the partner's stress levels 4.