#117 - Stop Filling The Silence {Reflections}

Ever caught yourself writing a whole tragic novel because someone didn’t text back? We dive into that gap between message and reply, the story machine in our heads, and the quiet panic that follows. I share a vulnerable moment with a close friend, how my mind spun up five different worst-case plots, and the simple check-in that brought the truth to light. Along the way, we unpack why silence is such fertile ground for fear and how negativity bias, mind reading, and rumination hijack our peace.

We get practical fast. You’ll learn a short script to ask for clarity without pressure, a quick reframe to test your assumptions, and a way to generate neutral or positive alternatives so your brain doesn’t default to doom. We also draw a boundary that protects relationships: it isn’t your job to carry someone else’s unspoken anger. Real friendship allows direct feedback and honest repair. That means we can stop patrolling every pause in the chat for hidden danger while still owning our impact and staying kind.

If you’ve ever felt held hostage by unread messages, this conversation offers tools to breathe, wait well, and act with courage. We talk about cultural patterns of passive aggression, how to set expectations for clear communication, and why a one-line check-in beats hours of spiraling. The payoff is more trust, less anxiety, and friendships that feel safe even when life gets noisy. Press play, try the script, and tell us how you’re practicing the art of asking instead of assuming.

If this helped you rethink silence, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review with your biggest takeaway. Your notes help others find the show and keep these conversations going.

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