Have you ever "fixed" something... only for it to come back? The same argument. The same frustration at work. The same habit you keep restarting. The same issue in a relationship. Here's an interesting question: What if the thing you keep trying to fix isn't actually the problem? Instead of asking, "How do I fix this again?", try: "What might be sitting underneath this?"

This distinction can completely change a difficult conversation: Understanding ≠ agreeing. You can say: "I understand why you feel that way." without saying: "I think you're right." Sometimes we resist acknowledging someone's experience because it feels like we're surrendering our own position. We're not. Two people can understand each other perfectly well and still disagree. Do you find it difficult to acknowledge someone's point of view when you strongly disagree with them?

Here's a small experiment. The next time somebody says something you disagree with, resist explaining your side immediately. Instead, ask: "What do you mean by that?" Then listen to the answer. You don't have to agree with them. You're simply making sure you understand what you're actually disagreeing with. Try it once this week and see whether it changes the conversation. If you give it a go, come back and tell us what happened. Listen to the full conversation here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6uVbOrPsDBhAfW2iNKYKQQ