I don’t have time for this.
It’s not about you; it’s about the feeling of being crushed under the weight of too many demands on their attention.
What it made you think
You hear that your needs and feelings are unimportant and that you are being rejected or dismissed.
The True Story
Your feelings are valid, and so is their need to protect their energy.
What is happening in your system?
The fight-or-flight response kicks in, triggering feelings of rejection and abandonment. The brain interprets the statement as a threat to connection and belonging.
What changes in you...
Avoiding sharing needs or feelings with the speaker to prevent future rejection, leading to emotional distance and unmet needs.
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
"Okay. Can we revisit this later?"
The Honest Explanation
"I understand you're busy, but it feels dismissive. Can you explain when you might have time?"
Drawing the Line
"I hear that you don't have capacity right now. I'm going to go now, but please let me know when you are available to connect."
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