Today, we’re coming for all the inherent problem solvers out there. When your loved ones share their problems with you, it’s almost second nature for some of us to jump right into solution-ing. But what does it look like to just listen, to just be a safe space for your loved one to work through their problem on their own? Well, we’re about to eff around and find out.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:

There are problems that are not yours to solve [3:09]

• Sometimes, it doesn’t help to tell people how to solve a problem, especially when you see things in different perspectives 

• People solve problems in different paces

• The self centered perspective on problem solving

• In order to own the outcomes of our choices, we sometimes need to solve things on our own—this helps us avoid blame-shifting 

Letting our loved ones solve their problems while being there for them [10:43]

• Being there when they need to vent 

• Providing suggestions only when asked 

• Empower them to have more autonomy, make more decisions on their own 

The haze of letting our loved ones fight their battles [14:19]

• If you give them the answer, you take away the opportunity of letting them find the answer and learn on their own 

• “I'm not just gonna do it for you, but I'm here to support you” can be received in a wrong way 

• Always solving others’ problems can lead to codependency 

• The struggle to set boundaries 

Navigating the haze [21:24] 

• Asking people the kind of help they need, and being clear if you can provide it 

• Asking people, “How can I support you?” 

• Trusting your loved ones that they’re strong enough to solve their own problems 

Biggest lessons [27:17]

• If you often solve others’ problems, you might end up expecting them to do the same for you 

• You need to see if a loved one is being too dependent on you 

• Simply asking “What do you think?” and letting them decide could go a really long way 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Listen to Can’t Tell Me Nothing by Kanye West

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