Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting 2751: Are We Losing Our Manners? How To Confront Social Anxiety by Dr. Margaret Rutherford on Social Media, Manners, and Mental Health
Oct 4, 2025
Dive into the growing issue of social anxiety and its impact on our daily manners. Dr. Margaret Rutherford reveals how our dependence on screens is contributing to isolation and declining social commitments. She introduces a practical exercise to confront fears and build confidence in responding to invitations. By acknowledging that everyone has their own insecurities, listeners are encouraged to embrace discomfort and take small steps towards meaningful connections.
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Party RSVP Failure
- The narrator recounts a Super Bowl party where most invitees never showed and some arrived hours late.
- The mismatch between preparation and attendance highlighted poor RSVP behavior and host frustration.
Big Event, Tiny RSVP Rate
- A friend hosting over 100 people received RSVPs from only 10% and couldn't plan properly.
- Lavish invites and digital reminders still failed to secure reliable responses.
Screens Enable Avoidance
- Dr. Margaret Rutherford links rising noncommitment to increased social anxiety from screen use.
- Screens let people avoid in-the-moment evaluation and the discomfort of face-to-face interaction.