I'll admit it: I'm a coward.
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( In a Nutshell
You know what Iâm really good at? Giving advice but never practicing what I preach. Iâm a natural! The one Kenny-ism I find myself repeating to everyone else: You have to talk about it. Truly, easier said than done (which is why I exclusively *say* it)!
Itâs one thing to recognize something is happening, and itâs a totally different mental muscle to actually do something about it â especially with someone you care about. A recent conversation with a close friend reminded me just how valuable communication can be within a relationship â romantic or platonic.
Before we talk about this toxic trait of mine, check out these new health stories: • [Always thinking about food? These tips can help]( • [This 18-year-old thought she was in perfect health â then she had a stroke]( • [10 signs of covert narcissism (and what that even means)](
Let's talk,
Kenny Thapoung
Managing Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Kenny Thapoung
February 16, 2024 ⢠5 min read [Hard conversations are awkward â but rewarding]( whatâs got us buzzing
[Hard conversations are awkward â but rewarding](
My best friend of 6+ years and I used to live a few blocks from each other. We would do everything together â share a room on group trips, go grocery shopping in Chinatown, and stay cozy on the couch while watching celebrity home tours on YouTube. Weâre the type of friends who will be in a group chat, judge something someone said, then side text the *exact same thought* which inevitably leads to 5 minutes of textual âlolol-ing.â
If I had to pinpoint when our relationship started to change, I would say it was around the time I moved to a new neighborhood. We live in New York City and Manhattan and Brooklyn might as well be different states.
Naturally, we started hanging out less while making time and space for other groups of friends. Work, laundry, and alone time also factored into the extended distance. Weâd see each other in larger group settings, but our 1-to-1 time disappeared. And on a random fall day, I noticed we hadnât texted for 2 whole months.
Did something happen? Was I completely overlooking a problem? Whoâs to blame?!
Now, if you were in my position, I would tell you to âgrow upâ and talk with your friend about it. Nothing will be solved by ignoring whatâs underneath the surface. But me? Iâm terrified of hard conversations with friends. I donât like to break the status quo of a relationship by addressing anything thatâs potentially awkward, hurtful, or sad. And I tend to think that there's a ârightâ and âwrongâ side and that I must be the one at fault.ï¸
[Hard conversations are awkward â but rewarding](
Yes, I 100% hear how hypocritical this all sounds â because it is. Iâm fully aware that I use my [conflict avoidance]( as a scapegoat to steer clear of situations that are normal occurrences in any friendship. The mental state I automatically box myself into â without pausing to think critically and rationally â isnât doing me any favors.ï¸
[I owed it to my best friend]( to reach out and set up time to talk â our friendship deserved an IRL conversation. We found time on a Sunday and everything ⦠was fine! No one did anything âwrong.â Our relationship was evolving naturally given several life circumstances.ï¸
We realized that we were entering a new stage in our friendship where we didnât need to talk every day or go to all the same hangouts. But what we agreed upon was that we need to make a conscious effort to see each other one-on-one at some regular cadence again, whether itâs in Brooklyn or Manhattan.ï¸
This happened literally 3 weeks ago. The emotional weight in my chest stressing over the *possible* tension is gone. Iâm so glad we addressed our feelings, and Iâm kicking myself for not reaching out sooner. Weâve resumed texting more often and made omakase dinner plans just for us. The next few months will be the real test of whether both of us do the work to make room for our relationship. But Iâm not worried. Sheâs my best friend after all.ï¸
Thank you for giving me this space to talk about something I hope youâll find relatable! Writing this all out, my friends are right: I need to [find a new therapist](!ï¸ [4 Types of Friendships]( Great finds
Mind games [Codenames: Duet](
[Codenames: Duet](
I might suck at talking about my emotions, but Iâm so good at giving clues! This particular version of Codenames has you working together with a friend to guess all the right words correctly before youâre out of turns. Itâs become one of my favorite activities to play when I host a small dinner. Just note: There are more assassins on each board than in the normal game! [SHOP NOW](
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ð¤ [How can I tell if I have bipolar disorder?]( If these symptoms sound familiar, consider speaking with a mental health professional. I appreciate you taking the time to read my newsletter! Have you been in a similar situation? How have you become more comfortable having hard talks? Iâd love to hear what you think. Send me a message at wellnesswire@healthline.com and weâll chat! Until next time,
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