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Hey Reader,

My seven-year-old has decided she's a chef. Cookies, fresh bread, scrambled eggs — if it can be made, she's making it. Her brother has decided he's a food critic. His only note so far is "more." They have a good system. :)

Watching her figure out something new, one attempt at a time, is a good reminder for us. You don't always get it right the first time. You just keep showing up until it clicks.

That's what we're doing here. Let's get into this week's three things.

#1. From My Inbox: “How do I deal with insults about someone that is not present in the conversation?”

Give it three seconds. Let the weight sit on their words, not on you. Then name the line you won't cross, in a neutral tone. That sounds like: "I'm not comfortable talking about someone who isn't here."

If they continue, redirect the conversation by repeating your boundary calmly: “If there’s a real issue, let’s bring it up with them directly.” If they still keep going, hold your boundary and exit. You can say “I’m stepping out of this one.” Then change the topic or physically leave.

#2. A Communication Tip: What to Say When You Need Space in a Conversation

Make it clear you need space from the conversation, not the person. Flip the power dynamic on yourself. “I need to take a break for myself.” or “I need to step away for myself.”

Then set a specific time to come back to the conversation. “Can we talk about this in an hour?” or “Can we talk about this tomorrow?” Space can be good, but always come back and finish the conversation.

#3. Something I’m Currently Loving: New Q&As on My Podcast

My first Q&A podcast went live this week, and I loved every minute of it. It’s real people asking real questions, which is exactly why I started doing this work. Give it a listen here. And if you've got a question you've been sitting on, now's your chance. Leave me a voicemail and I might answer it on the next one.

Glad you're here Reader,

J