Venting and Veritas

Before we begin, let’s check in with ourselves.
Make sure you have the time and emotional space to listen and be a good friend. If we arent in a good place than we wont be of use to others. Here are some pointers I’ve learned myself recently. Empathetic Listening has proven to be the most valuable lesson I’ve learned recently.

 Practicing Empathetic Listening  = a great time to 

 go for a walk, clean your closet out, fold your laundry & more. This helps you speak less and be engaged while doing something that requires minimal cognitive effort!   🛒

1. Set Time Boundaries⌚
   Before meeting or calling, communicate how much time you have to be fully attentive, you owe that your self and your friend. Decide this first. For example, suggest meeting for coffee or hanging out for just one hour. Boundaries start with your own actions—it’s your time to protect.

2. Support vs. Advice. Try To Give Your Opinion Only When Asked
   It’s tempting to give advice, especially if you disagree, but sometimes all they need is an ear to listen.

3. Let Them Vent Fully! Conserve Your Energy🧃

4. Empathetic Listening
   This is the magic !!!! 🪄 Compassion is about listening without interruption. The more you listen, the more you can learn and show empathy. “Listen more than you speak.” Sometimes, even when you care deeply, it’s easy to forget that a lack of empathy is reflected in your ability to listen until the end. Its an art to listen until the end <3

5. When Asked For Advice Be Truthful & Bold
   Giving honest feedback isn’t petty or aggressive—it’s efficient. Your loved one may later appreciate your honesty. Veritas=Truth (latin).

   Fun Fact:Veritas is Harvard University’s motto, and in french truth is pronouced vérité (the sound & pronunciation of é =“eh” like the classic Canadian expression.

6. Evidence-Based Reference: Sex And The City Season 4, Episode 6, titled "Baby, Talk is Cheap."

   For any SATC lovers, remember the episode when Carrie Bradshaw gave Charlotte direction for her relationshiop with Trey and their troubles with having a baby. Charlotte takes the direction and then ends up blaming her; tarnishing their friendship.

   Rule #1 while we are here. Stand tall behind your own decisions.The more advice we ask for the more confused we get. Its valuable to ask someone who has been where we are going ! Think of yourself as a guide, not a director.Sometimes the best thing we can do is to say nothing at all, & let our ear do the talking

7. Less is more

Peace of guidance this week:

”You can never go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."
— C.S. Lewis