In this episode (Episode 12, 2022) of the SOS podcast, Megan Bartley and Rob Giltner discuss the dynamics of the friendship of letting go of preconceived notions and allowing conversations to unfold naturally. They also reflect on their experience creating the podcast and how it’s been going so far. They both express their joy and excitement about continuing the podcast and the valuable conversations they are having. Although they may not know everything, they both find the podcast helpful for their own growth and hope that listeners will find it helpful too.

 

Allow yourself to be open.

When it comes to being open and allowing yourself to experience life, it can be a difficult task. We often get caught up in our own thoughts and beliefs, and it can be hard to step outside of our comfort zone and be open to new experiences. However, allowing yourself to be open can be a rewarding and transformative experience.

 

1. The first step to being open is to be aware of your own thoughts and feelings. Take the time to explore your inner world and ask yourself questions such as, “What do I believe?”, “What do I want out of life?”, and “What do I need to feel fulfilled?” When you take the time to explore your own thoughts and beliefs, you can start to understand yourself better and gain insight into what you need to be open to.

 

1. The next step is to practice being open to different experiences. This can include trying new activities, meeting new people, or even exploring new ideas. When you take the time to open yourself up to new experiences, you can learn more about the world around you and gain a better understanding of different perspectives. This can lead to more meaningful connections and help you to become more open-minded.

 

1. Lastly, it is important to practice self-compassion. When you are open to new experiences, it can be difficult to accept yourself and your feelings. It is important to be gentle with yourself and to recognize that it is okay to make mistakes and to feel uncomfortable. When you practice self-compassion, you can be more open to the world around you and to yourself.

 

Being open can be a difficult task, but it can be a rewarding and transformative experience. When you take the time to explore your own thoughts and feelings, practice being open to new experiences, and practice self-compassion, you can start to open yourself up to the world around you and to yourself. Through this process, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and the world around you, and you can start to experience life in a more meaningful way.

 

No drama friends are best.

One of the best ways to practice being open is to make friends who are drama-free. Having friends who are drama-free can be incredibly beneficial because it allows you to have a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings without the added stress of drama. These friends can be a great source of support and understanding and can help you to stay grounded and focused on your goals.

 

When it comes to making drama-free friends, it is important to remember that it is not always easy. It can take some time to find people who are drama-free, but it is worth the effort. It is important to remember that it is not always about finding people who are drama-free, but rather finding people who are supportive, understanding, and open-minded.

 

When you find friends who are drama-free, it is important to remember that it is not a one-way street. You must also be supportive, understanding, and open-minded. This means that you must be willing to listen to your friends and be there for them when they need it. You must also be willing to be honest and open about your own thoughts and feelings. This can be a difficult process, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

 

Having friends who are drama-free can be a great way to experience life in a more meaningful way. These friends can provide a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings without the added stress of drama. They can also provide support, understanding, and openness. So, if you are looking for a way to experience life in a more meaningful way, consider making friends who are drama-free.

 

Set boundaries and intentions.

When it comes to friendships, it is important to set boundaries and intentions. This can help ensure that everyone involved is comfortable and that the relationship is healthy. Boundaries help define the limits of the relationship, while intentions help to clarify the purpose of the friendship. Setting boundaries and intentions can also help to ensure that the friendship is drama-free.

 

When it comes to setting boundaries, it is important to be clear and direct. Being clear about what is and isn’t acceptable in the friendship can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page. It is also important to be aware of your own boundaries and to communicate them to your friends. This can help to avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings.

 

When it comes to setting intentions, it is important to be honest and open. This can help to ensure that your friendship is built on trust and understanding. Being honest and open about your intentions can also help to ensure that the relationship is drama-free.

 

Finally, it is important to remember that boundaries and intentions can change over time. As your friendship grows and evolves, it is important to reassess the boundaries and intentions of the relationship. This can help to ensure that the friendship remains drama-free and healthy.

 

Overall, setting boundaries and intentions can be a great way to ensure that your friendships are drama-free and healthy. By being clear and honest about your boundaries and intentions, you can ensure that everyone involved is comfortable and that the relationship is built on trust and understanding.

 

Understand sexual boundaries. 

When it comes to understanding sexual boundaries, it is essential to be aware of your own intentions and to be mindful of the other person’s boundaries. It is important to be aware of the power dynamics at play and to ensure that no one feels uncomfortable or manipulated. In a therapeutic setting, it is important to remember that the focus should always be on helping the client, not on any kind of sexual energy.

 

When it comes to friendships, it is important to be aware of the lines that can be crossed. For example, if you are sending pictures or texts that could be interpreted as having a sexual connotation, it is important to be mindful of the other person’s feelings and boundaries. It is also important to recognize that not everyone may feel the same way about these types of interactions.

 

In any type of relationship, it is important to be aware of the boundaries and to communicate openly and honestly about them. It is also important to be aware of the power dynamics and to ensure that no one is feeling manipulated or taken advantage of. By being mindful of these things, you can ensure that everyone involved is comfortable and that the relationship is built on trust and understanding.

 

Progressively affirming and open.

The Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is an example of a progressive and open environment. It is a place where everyone is accepted and respected, regardless of gender, sexuality, or religion. The seminary encourages its students to engage in open dialogue and to explore their own perspectives on various topics. This open dialogue allows students to learn from one another and to gain a better understanding of different perspectives. 

 

The seminary also encourages its students to be aware of the power dynamics in any relationship, especially those between a therapist and a client. In this instance, it is important to be aware of the potential for a client to develop feelings for the therapist, and for the therapist to maintain an unconditional loving presence and to remain within the boundaries of their professional role. This helps to ensure that the client feels heard and understood, while also feeling safe and respected. 

 

The movie When Harry Met Sally is a great example of this kind of progressive and open dialogue. In the movie, the two main characters, Harry and Sally, start off as friends but eventually develop feelings for each other. Through their conversations, they are able to explore their own perspectives and gain a better understanding of each other. This dialogue serves as a reminder that even though there can be power dynamics in relationships, it is possible to maintain an open and affirming relationship.

 

In conclusion, it is important to be mindful of the power dynamics in any relationship and to ensure that everyone involved is comfortable and respected. The Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is an example of a progressive and open environment, where open dialogue and understanding are encouraged. The movie When Harry Met Sally serves as a reminder that even though there can be power dynamics in relationships, it is possible to maintain an open and affirming relationship.

 

Boundaries are important for relationships.

Boundaries are important for relationships. In a healthy relationship, both parties should feel respected and safe. Boundaries help to ensure that everyone involved is comfortable and that their needs are being met. 

 

Boundaries are important for relationships for a variety of reasons. For example, boundaries can help protect against power dynamics in relationships. Power dynamics can be seen in relationships between people of different genders, sexual orientations, and social classes. When one person has more power than the other, it can lead to feelings of inequality and unfairness. Boundaries help to ensure that everyone involved in a relationship is respected and that their needs are considered.

 

Boundaries are also crucial for relationships because they help to maintain open and honest communication. Without boundaries, it can be difficult to talk about sensitive topics and feelings. Boundaries provide a safe space to talk about these topics without fear of judgment or criticism. 

 

The Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a great example of a progressive and open environment that encourages open dialogue and understanding. At the seminary, students are encouraged to talk openly about gender, sexuality, and other sensitive topics. In one class, a student conducted an exercise in which everyone wrote down their gender identity and what gender they would be interested in dating or having intimacy with. This exercise showed the students that sexuality is on a spectrum and that people can have an attraction to different genders. 

 

The movie When Harry Met Sally is another example of an open and affirming relationship. In the movie, Harry and Sally are able to maintain a platonic relationship while still being honest and open with each other. This is a reminder that even though there can be power dynamics in relationships, it is possible to maintain an open and affirming relationship. 

 

Overall, boundaries are important for relationships. Boundaries help to ensure that everyone involved in a relationship is respected and that their needs are considered. The Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the movie When Harry Met Sally are two examples of how boundaries can help create open and affirming relationships.

 

Teach kids about consent.

When it comes to teaching kids about consent, it is important to start early. Kids need to understand that their bodies and their feelings are their own and that they have the right to say “no” to anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. Teaching kids about consent goes beyond just saying “no means no.” It is important to talk to kids about what consent is and why it is important.

 

When talking to kids about consent, it is important to emphasize that consent is not just about physical contact. It is also about verbal and emotional boundaries. Kids need to understand that they have the right to set boundaries and that it is okay to say “no” even if someone is pressuring them to do something they don’t want to do. It is also important to talk to kids about how they can tell if someone is not respecting their boundaries.

 

It is also important to talk to kids about respecting the boundaries of others. Kids need to understand that just because someone says “yes” to something, it does not mean that they are obligated to do it. They need to understand that if someone says “no” then it is important to respect that decision.

 

It is also important to talk to kids about the concept of “alpha culture.” Alpha culture is a term used to describe a certain type of masculinity that is often associated with aggressive behavior and an attitude of entitlement. It is important to talk to kids about how this type of culture is damaging and how it can lead to unhealthy relationships.

 

Teaching kids about consent is an important part of raising healthy and respectful children. By talking to kids about boundaries, respect, and consent, we can help them to create relationships that are open, affirming, and respectful.

 

Explore different perspectives.

As parents, it is important to explore different perspectives when it comes to talking to kids about sex and consent. It is important to understand the different ways that people may view sex, consent, and relationships. Different cultures, religious backgrounds, and personal experiences can all shape our perspectives on these topics.

    

It is important to create an open dialogue with kids when it comes to talking about sex and consent. This can be done by using language that is respectful and non-judgmental. Asking questions and listening to the answers can help to create a safe and trusting environment. It is also important to use language that is age appropriate and that is not too complicated for young children.

    

It is also important to create an environment in which kids feel comfortable asking questions and expressing their feelings. This can be done by using positive affirmations and by avoiding shaming language. It is also important to recognize that kids may have different views and opinions on these topics and to allow them to express those views without judgment.

 

Exploring different perspectives can also help to create an environment in which kids feel empowered to make their own decisions. By giving kids the tools to make informed decisions, they can learn to respect themselves and others. Exploring different perspectives can also help to create a more inclusive and understanding environment.

 

In conclusion, exploring different perspectives when it comes to talking to kids about sex and consent is essential in raising healthy and respectful children. By creating an open dialogue and using positive affirmations, we can help kids to make informed decisions and to create relationships that are open, affirming, and respectful.

 

To listen to the Shifting Our Shit (S.O.S.) Podcast, CLICK HERE!