Jessi DeLeo | Couples & Individual Therapist

How often have you been told you need to be less defensive? Most of us have, but very few of us have actually been taught how to do that.

This post is inspired by Harriet Lerner’s, Why Won’t You Apologize? In it, she outlines powerful reminders for what to do when you’re on the receiving end of criticism.

I’ve broken these down into 7 gentle, digestible steps to help you stay grounded, self-aware, and connected, even when your defenses want to jump in.

Because listening well doesn’t mean agreeing.
It means creating the kind of space where repair is possible for you and the other person.

💛 Save this for your next hard conversation
🔁 Share with someone who listens with their whole heart

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