The reputation you've built is threatened by your cocaine-addicted friend. Breaking the pattern of working for bad bosses. Seeking reconnection after 15 years of estrangement. Navigating conversations with acquaintances. Support for children affected by a parent's addiction. Dealing with difficult bosses and imposter syndrome. Investigating estrangement and homeschooling effects. Tips for remembering details and improving memory. Prioritizing oneself and open communication in relationships.
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Quick takeaways
Striking up conversations with acquaintances can be challenging, but being honest about forgetting details and genuinely caring can help maintain the conversation.
When dealing with the loss of a loved one and feeling guilt, it is important to give yourself permission to grieve and communicate openly with your partner for understanding and support.
Deep dives
Reaching Out to Estranged Nephews
After 15 years of estrangement, the writer wants to connect with their older nephews who are now in their twenties. They have found them on Venmo and seek advice on how to reach out without invading their privacy or coming off as awkward. They are considering using Venmo to send a small amount along with a private message, but are unsure if it's appropriate. They wonder if there is any other way to initiate contact and also mention the possibility of hiring a private detective.
Dealing with Difficult Bosses
The writer has had challenging experiences with two bosses who were hard to work with. They question if this is a coincidence or a pattern. They are self-reflective and suspect that their strong-willed nature may clash with certain personalities. They also mention imposter syndrome and feeling inadequate due to differences in privilege with their current boss. They seek guidance on how to navigate these dynamics, whether they should stick with their current job, and how to avoid working for difficult bosses in the future.
Handling Conversations and Remembering Details
Striking up conversations with acquaintances can be challenging, especially when trying to recall details about their lives. Note-taking may not always be practical. In these situations, it is best to be honest and open. Apologize for not remembering certain details and ask questions to refresh your memory. For example, you can say, 'I'm sorry, I have a bit of dad brain. Could you remind me again if you have kids, and what their names are?' Being authentic about your forgetfulness can help maintain the conversation and prevent any embarrassment. Additionally, actively listening and genuinely caring about what people say can make it easier to remember information in future interactions.
Navigating Grief and Maintaining a New Relationship
A woman shares her challenging history with her ex-husband and the struggles they faced, including financial difficulties, infertility, and his bipolar disorder. During the pandemic, she found love with a wonderful partner, and they began building a new life together. However, her ex-husband tragically committed suicide, leaving her in grief and guilt. Amidst the pain, she worries about losing her new partner due to her heaviness and lack of fun. It is crucial for her to give herself permission to grieve and not suppress her emotions to preserve the relationship. Open communication with her partner about her feelings can help build understanding and support. It is important for her to remember that if her partner truly cares for her, he will be there for her through the ups and downs, and their love can withstand the challenges she is facing.
The reputation you've spent your professional life building is threatened by association with your cocaine-addicted friend. Welcome to Feedback Friday!
And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!
On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss:
You can't be envious of what someone else has without considering the unenviable parts of their story you'd prefer to avoid.
The reputation you've spent your professional life building is threatened by association with your cocaine-addicted friend. Which relationship is worth saving?
You seem to be condemned to a life of working for crappy bosses. What can you do to break this undesirable pattern?
You're 41 years old, and — for no reason that's ever been made clear — you've been estranged from your older sister and her family for about 15 years. How can you (and should you) seek reconnection?
You and your wife are good at conversing with strangers and close friends, but you find it challenging to talk to people you've only met a few times and remember details about their lives. How can you remember or tactfully re-ask questions about things you should already know?
What do you do when a troubled ex's suicide threatens the new love you're trying to cultivate?
Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!