Episode 19: Letting People Be People

Letting People Be People


Episode Summary: 

For many of us, this is the time of year when we get together with family and friends, which can trigger a mix of emotions. This is a great opportunity to look at the expectations that we set for people and practice letting go of perfectionism. In this episode, I explain the concept of ‘behavior manuals’ and break down how they impact your interactions with people. I also offer up some tools to help you find more ease and peace during holiday gatherings. 


Show Notes:

For many of us, this is the time of year when we get together with family and friends, which can trigger a mix of emotions. Maybe you don’t agree with your cousin’s political views, or you don’t like that your mother-in-law serves ham instead of turkey. Perhaps the tension runs deeper and there are unhealed wounds that you’re reminded of during the holiday season.   


Regardless of your relationship with this time of year, we can use these gatherings as an opportunity to examine the expectations that we set for people and practice letting go of perfectionism. 


In this episode, I explain the concept of ‘behavior manuals’ and break down how they impact your interactions with people. As humans, we unconsciously set standards for how others should think, act, and feel, which causes a lot of tension when people don’t fit that vision. 


I also offer up some tools to help you find more ease and peace in your interactions. In building more awareness and safety for yourself, you can accept that each individual is unique and flawed, just as you are. 


Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform. 


Topics Covered:

  • How to know if you have a manual for somebody 

  • Recognizing when you delegate your feelings to other people’s behaviors 

  • Accepting that there are many right ways to do something

  • How to prepare for gatherings or environments where you’re typically triggered 

  • Understanding that letting go of your manuals and consciously thinking in a different way takes time and practice

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Cecelia Baum MandrykComment