Have you tried a planner / yoga / going for a walk?
It feels like my internal world is being reduced to a problem with an obvious, simple solution.
What it made you think
I'm not trying hard enough, or that my problems are easily solved with simple solutions.
The True Story
Your struggles are valid, and it's okay to push back against advice that doesn't resonate with your experience. You are not broken.
What is happening in your system?
It triggers a sense of being misunderstood and invalidated, leading to frustration and a feeling of being fundamentally different or 'broken'. It can also activate a defensive response, as you feel the need to justify your struggles.
What changes in you...
I will avoid sharing my struggles with this person to avoid receiving unhelpful advice and feeling more invalidated.
How can I navigate this in the moment?
A few ways to respond when this lands. Take whichever feels right, or none at all.
The Low-Battery Out
"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."
The Honest Explanation
"I appreciate the suggestion, but those things don't always work for me because of how my brain is wired. It's a bit more complicated than that."
Drawing the Line
"I understand you're trying to help, but I'm not looking for solutions right now. I just needed to vent."
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