Prosocial Advice From Our Digital Community!
You already know that Dear Grace is a trusted source for sage life advice, but it turns out that Dear Grace readers are also full of wisdom! Check out what our digital community has to say about everything from navigating breakups to making peace with teen fashion.
On asking for help:
“If you try to work things out but feel like you’re just spinning your wheels, consider talking to a couples therapist to get some help. Human beings are complicated and sometimes an unbiased perspective is just what you need to untangle the issue in front of you.”
On difficult relationships:
“I wasted 12 years, hoping, like a “good woman” would, that it would get better. I ended up bitter and angry, disappointed I didn’t run him off years ago. You only get one life, sometimes it’s sad, or happy, full or empty. But when you just feel “meh,” and have for years, are you happy? I couldn’t sleep with that feeling, but still, I waited so long to leave. Don’t become me, get out while you are young!”
On raising the next generation:
Kids like to experiment with their appearance. Whether it be dying their hair pink, piercings, or tattoos, remember that this too shall pass. Your daughter just needs love and acceptance no matter her appearance. Avoid judging her because you’re not into the trends or how she chooses to express herself. Your relationship will be stronger for it!
On moving on after loss:
“I am also widowed. I would suggest taking baby steps in getting to know men. Journaling about your needs and preferences helps to figure out what you’re really looking for. You aren’t going to replace your husband, so it’s good to set fresh expectations.”
On self-acceptance and working through social anxiety:
Take care of YOU. Sometimes, at least for me, it’s about doing good things for myself, saying “no” when I feel I’m being used, or simply eating a healthy meal or snack and going for a walk. Being kind to our body, mind and spirit shows self love. Loving ourselves for exactly where we are NOW is so important. It may seem like a lot of work ahead, but you can take it one step at a time. You sound very kind and caring and you deserve good friends. I’m wishing you the very best, my friend.
All of this sound advice came from Dear Grace readers who took the time to write in and share their own perspective with the community. That’s exactly the type of “thinking about what you think” that Dear Grace inspires! Take a moment to notice some of the themes shining through: accepting yourself and others, avoiding judgment, making healthy choices, and tackling life’s big issues head-on. This is fantastic social proof, and we love to see our readers modeling the type of behavior that builds self-esteem and fosters community!
