When discomfort and danger collapse into the same word, relationships lose the room required for repair. Precision does not invalidate pain; it helps us decide whether the moment needs protection, accountability, tolerance, or a better conversation.
Reframing things or saying it in a different manner can do wonders how a relationship works in any setting. The way you write about this tiny of a detail is quite good.
I really like the clarification that it is not a word itself that could be problematic but the function of it. Similar to how the word anxiety is thrown around as an excuse to avoid uncomfortable situations.
So true that we are unwilling to stay in discomfort and work through things. I also think we are super unwilling to let our children have this experience, to allow them to have feelings that aren’t all positive. Which will keep creating adults who run away from difficult conversations.
When discomfort and danger collapse into the same word, relationships lose the room required for repair. Precision does not invalidate pain; it helps us decide whether the moment needs protection, accountability, tolerance, or a better conversation.
Perfectly put!
Reframing things or saying it in a different manner can do wonders how a relationship works in any setting. The way you write about this tiny of a detail is quite good.
Thank you so much for this, Sudhanshu!
I really like the clarification that it is not a word itself that could be problematic but the function of it. Similar to how the word anxiety is thrown around as an excuse to avoid uncomfortable situations.
I think the function is so important, maybe the most important thing to question, with words and emotions!
I recently rewatched What About Bob? and was surprised by how well it held up. Looking forward to the live!
That was my thought too (lots of 90s entertainment does NOT hold up as well)!
So helpful as always and signed up and can’t wait to hear your take on What about Bob!
Yay, can’t wait to see you at the Substack Live!
So true that we are unwilling to stay in discomfort and work through things. I also think we are super unwilling to let our children have this experience, to allow them to have feelings that aren’t all positive. Which will keep creating adults who run away from difficult conversations.