logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
23m 13s

#167: How to Balance Compassion for Othe...

Stephanie Rigg
About this episode

In today's episode, we're talking about the delicate balance between compassion for others, and boundaries for ourselves. For those of us who tend towards empathy and curiosity towards others' inner worlds, it's easy to fixate on the "why" behind their behaviours (particularly behaviours we don't like or understand). And while that is an admirable trait, without clear boundaries it can easily veer into self-abandonment. 

I'll share some thoughts on how to find a balance between compassion and generosity in our interpretation of others' behaviour, while also having clarity and firmness in our self-advocacy and knowing what we can and can't tolerate. 

Upcoming Events

Additional Resources



Up next
Yesterday
#196: How & Why We Self-Abandon in Relationships
If you deeply fear abandonment, there’s a good chance you’ve also been abandoning yourself in quiet, subtle, and painful ways.In today’s episode, we’re exploring how fear of abandonment often leads to patterns of self-abandonment — especially for those with anxious attachment. We ... Show More
19m 8s
Jul 1
#195: Two Simple Principles for a Healthy Nervous System
In today’s episode, I’m sharing two key principles for building a truly resilient, balanced nervous system — and why one without the other tends to keep us stuck.We’ll explore:Why nervous system health isn’t about being relaxed all the timeThe importance of deliberate stress expo ... Show More
11m 4s
Jun 24
#194: When You Don’t Feel Like a Priority in Your Relationship
If you often feel like you're fighting for a place in your partner’s life—like you’re always waiting to be chosen or noticed—this episode is for you.This is one of the most common experiences for people with anxious attachment: that persistent, painful feeling of being sidelined. ... Show More
18m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 9
When Colleagues Drain You: Emotional Boundaries for Educators Who Care
Have a question for the show? Text us here!In this episode of Unlock Your Teaching Potential, we dive into a powerful and often overlooked topic in education: how to extend compassion to adult colleagues while maintaining healthy boundaries and protecting your own emotional energ ... Show More
15m 59s
Jul 2
The Secret Language of Empathy & How To Use It
Empathy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a skillset, and in this episode, we break down its secret language. From how to stop jumping to advice-giving to what true emotional presence really looks like, we explore the four essential attributes of empathy. If you’ve ever wondered why your ... Show More
52m 48s
Jan 2025
How to Handle Difficult People: Stoic Strategies, Empathy vs. Compassion, and Communication Techniques
Send us a textIn this episode, we explore practical strategies to manage challenging relationships, including high-conflict individuals and those with personality disorders. Drawing from Stoic philosophy and modern psychology, we cover:Why ancient Stoics emphasized handling insul ... Show More
1h 7m
Nov 2024
724. Narcissism in Female Friendships: How to Protect Your Energy
Are you constantly feeling like you're not enough in your relationships? In this episode, Krista goes solo to delve into the often-overlooked realm of narcissism in female friendships. Get ready for some incredible insight on how to recognize narcissistic traits in your girl grou ... Show More
1h 2m
Sep 2024
The Dark Triad: Dealing with Narcissists, Sociopaths, and Other Toxic People
Dr. Rick and Forrest unpack the "Dark Triad" of personality traits - narcissism, Machiavellianism, and sociopathy - and explore how these traits can manifest in everyday relationships. They talk about how individuals with these tendencies use charm and manipulation to control sit ... Show More
1h 16m
Mar 2025
S1 EP6 | Loving Difficult People | The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Welcome to Season 1, Episode 6 of The Messy Podcast!Tagline: Loving Difficult People – How to Care Without Losing YourselfIn this episode, we explore the fine line between compassion and self-betrayal, understanding the neuroscience of empathy fatigue and resentment, and providin ... Show More
11m 32s
Dec 2024
Emotional Intelligence: Practical Tips for Managing Emotions, Setting Boundaries, and Deepening Relationships for a More Fulfilling Life with Dr. Elisabeth Crain
What is emotional intelligence, and how can it transform the way you navigate life and relationships? In this episode, psychotherapist Dr. Elisabeth Crain breaks down emotional intelligence and its impact on how we navigate life and relationships. She shares practical tips for st ... Show More
32m 16s
Dec 2024
THE ART OF DUALITY
Life is full of contrasts—light and dark, joy and sorrow, strength and vulnerability. In this episode, we explore how embracing life’s opposing forces can lead to balance, growth, and self-discovery. We discuss the importance of honoring both sides of yourself—the confident and t ... Show More
7m 17s
Aug 2024
#11 - How to deal with toxic relationships and set boundaries
There are amazing relationships out there for you. Remember that you are worthy - that&#39;s how you let those positive relationships come into your life <3 Sources:- Reciprocation as part of human nature - Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion- Identify your core values to fin ... Show More
43m 54s
Oct 2024
#239 Self Compassion IS Productive
In today&#39;s episode I focus on the topic of self-compassion as a tool for healing from breakups. We discuss the fact that self-compassion is crucial for recovery, even more so than simply taking action. We also talk about the common misconception that self-love only develops a ... Show More
18m 54s