Join Philip Galanes, a Social Q’s columnist, as he unpacks the art of giving advice and the importance of empathetic listening. Jancee Dunn shares practical wellness tips that challenge the norm of New Year’s resolutions, promoting joy instead. Daniel Jones reflects on over two decades of Modern Love, emphasizing vulnerability and resilience in love. The episode is rich with listener anecdotes about valuable advice and the profound lessons learned from personal experiences in love and life.
Effective advice improves through empathetic listening, empowering individuals to recognize their unique solutions rather than relying solely on expert guidance.
Redefining New Year's resolutions as enjoyable experiences rather than punitive measures fosters sustainable commitment and promotes joy in personal growth.
Deep dives
The Importance of Listening in Advice-Giving
Effective advice hinges on the ability to listen closely and empathetically. It is not about being an expert but instead about helping the individual articulate and recognize their own solutions. Good advice aligns with the mindset that what works for one person may not work for another, emphasizing personalized guidance. This approach fosters a supportive environment where people feel empowered to discover the answers that resonate with them.
Finding Joy in New Year's Resolutions
Many common New Year's resolutions tend to promote a sense of punishment, such as restrictive dieting or excessive exercise. A more fruitful approach emphasizes the incorporation of joy into these goals, transforming them into enjoyable experiences. For instance, rather than focusing on eliminating treats, one could seek high-quality options and savor them in moderation. By shifting the narrative from self-discipline to joy, individuals are more likely to maintain their resolutions beyond early January.
Lessons from Love and Relationships
Relationships are often misunderstood as solely romantic, but they encompass various forms of love, including familial and platonic bonds. Insights gained from personal essays reveal that love should be resilient, able to withstand challenges and conflicts rather than being fragile and peaceful. Moreover, experiences of fleeting connections can still hold significant value, countering the notion that only enduring relationships matter. This perspective encourages a deeper appreciation of all forms of love and the lessons they impart throughout life.
To end the year, Melissa Kirsch, The New York Times’s deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle, talks with Times reporters, editors and columnists whose jobs involve thinking about how we live, and how we might live better.
First, she speaks with Philip Galanes, who writes the Social Q’s column, on what makes good advice. Then, Jancee Dunn, a reporter on the Well desk, shares some of the most useful tips she has gleaned this year. Finally, Daniel Jones, who has edited the Modern Love column for more than 20 years, reflects on the lessons he has learned about love.
And we hear from listeners about the best advice they received this year.
Guest:
Melissa Kirsch, the deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle for The New York Times.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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