@itsmebrittneyp: It’s not just about your stepkids. It’s your partner too. It’s even YOU…the way you brush off your own frustrations because you don’t want to seem ungrateful or “too much.” We’re so quick to hear a complaint and armor up. We defend. We justify. We shut down. Because somewhere along the way, we learned that complaints mean conflict. That they’re an attack. That they need to be silenced. But WHAT IF complaints are actually just messy little signals saying, “I need something.” “I need support.” “I need to feel seen.” “I need to feel safe.” “I need to feel like I matter.” —What if your partner’s complaint about the schedule isn’t criticism, it’s burnout? —What if your stepchild saying “I hate it here” isn’t rejection, it’s grief? —What if your OWN complaints are just needs you’ve buried for too long? Real connection doesn’t come from fixing or defending. It comes from listening with curiosity instead of fear. Drop an emoji in the comments below if this made something click for you and save this for the next moment you want to shut down. Want more blended family tips? Comment “MEMO” to get the link to my free weekly newsletter. I help women in blended families calm the chaos and create honest connection that actually lasts. DM me if you’re wondering if I can help you too.
