The podcast discusses how to approach family fights, combat toxicity, let go of control, and work through triggers while being at home during the holidays. They also define iMessage reactions, give dinner table topic ideas, and pitch a new rideshare app. They explore the meaning of the word 'bitch' and discuss making family gatherings more meaningful. The hosts express gratitude and share their social media handles.
Accept the reality of the situation and surrender to the chaos of family dynamics during the holidays.
Recognize triggers related to disordered eating and communicate openly with family members about your needs.
Engage in deeper conversations with family members through card games and thought-provoking questions to foster connection and understanding.
Deep dives
Acceptance of Family Dynamics
Going home for the holidays can be stressful due to complicated family dynamics. Trying to please everyone and spread attention among family members can create chaos and stress. The key is to focus on acceptance, acknowledging that the moment may not be what you desired and surrendering to the reality of the situation.
Challenges with Food and Control
Being away from your usual environment and not having control over your meals can be triggering for those with disordered eating patterns. The lack of control over when and what to eat can lead to heightened stress, snappiness, and mood changes. It's important to recognize these triggers and find ways to navigate them, such as openly communicating with family members about your needs and preferences.
Alternative Discussion Topics
Engaging in meaningful conversations with family members can be challenging when there's a lack of connection or familiarity. To move beyond surface-level small talk, consider playing card games like 'Who in the Room?' which prompts interesting questions and encourages deeper discussions. This can be a fun way to connect with family members and learn more about each other beyond work-related topics.
Navigating the balance between acceptance and repression
The podcast episode discusses the difference between acceptance and repression in challenging situations, particularly with family dynamics. While acceptance may seem like the ideal solution, the speaker highlights that sometimes repression is necessary for survival. The speaker shares personal experiences of growing up in an abusive home where repressing certain issues was the only way to navigate difficult situations. The episode emphasizes the complexities of family relationships and the unique dynamics that make them different from romantic partnerships or friendships.
Using visualization and deeper questions for meaningful conversations
The podcast episode explores techniques for fostering more meaningful conversations during family gatherings. The speakers suggest using visualization exercises to imagine desired outcomes before entering into interactions. They also discuss the power of asking deeper, unaskable questions that elicit genuine responses, such as inquiring about fears, complex family histories, or personal stories. By going beyond surface-level conversations about work or mundane topics, the speakers believe that asking thought-provoking questions can lead to more engaging and authentic interactions, allowing for a deeper connection and understanding among family members.
It’s that time of year again, where the good and bad combine to create the chaos of holiday feelings. Maybe you’re on the floor of your childhood bedroom crying, or maybe you’re laughing and decorating with family…only for your sister to say that one thing you wish she wouldn't. No matter your situation this holiday season, Jess and Caroline are here to commiserate, and maybe give like half an ounce of advice too. They discuss how to approach family fights, combat your own toxicity, let go of the need for control, and work through triggers while being at home, not to mention survive the scourge of family traditions.
Plus, help Jess and Caroline define what iMessage reactions REALLY mean, get some dinner table topic ideas, and check out Caroline’s pitch for a new rideshare app—and a term that may or may not be offensive.
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This episode was produced by none other than our prince, Abi Newhouse. DM her for your audio editing needs!
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DISCLAIMER: All opinions are our own. We are not therapists or health professionals, or professional of any kind, really. Please see your own professional or counselor for professional support. Do your research and be safe!
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