Do you sometimes have a tough time saying ‘no’? No may only be two letters, but it can sometimes feel like a four-letter word… especially if you’re a people pleaser.

This week, Grace and Shannon say no - or at least, they talk about how to utilize the power of no and discuss some the best ways to incorporate ‘no’ into their lexicon to better manage expectations, burnout, and more.

Read the article from PsychCentral: How to Say No.

Connect with Social Graces for updates and more over on Instagram at @socialgracespod, our DMs are so wide open.

If you’re curious about our other podcast we’ve been referencing, you can listen to the professional development-oriented podcast, Standard Office Procedures, anywhere you get your podcasts.

Let’s talk about ­­in-laws.

This week, Grace and Shannon unpack how to make the most of your relationship with your in-laws, specifically through communication. They cover boundary setting, expectation management, and the strength of spousal support.

Plus, our guest this week is Grace’s mother-in-law Sandy, whose Southern accent is honey being poured right into your ears as she shares her perspective on healthy in-law communication.

Read the article from Family Education: 10 Tips for Dealing with In-Laws and Setting Healthy Boundaries.

Connect with Social Graces for updates and more over on Instagram at @socialgracespod, our DMs are so wide open.

If you’re curious about our other podcast we’ve been referencing, you can listen to the professional development-oriented podcast, Standard Office Procedures, anywhere you get your podcasts.

“How you say things is as important as what you’re saying.”

This week, Grace and Shannon double-dip a topic and cover how to communicate frustrations or unmet needs to your significant other in a loving, compassionate way in this unplanned ‘part two’ to our 12th episode.

Read the book that inspired this episode, Compassion for Couples: Building the Skills of Loving Connection by Michelle Becker.

Connect with Social Graces for updates and more over on Instagram at @socialgracespod, our DMs are so wide open that sometimes tumbleweeds blow through.

If you’re curious about our other podcast we’ve been referencing, you can listen to the professional development-oriented podcast, Standard Office Procedures, anywhere you get your podcasts.

It’s another sexy episode, this time all about how to tell your partner what you want – and don’t want – in bed.

It can be daunting to broach topics as intimate and vulnerable about what you may want more of or less of in bed, but don’t let yourself be the thing keeping you from your own sexual fulfillment.

This week, Grace and Shannon talk about how to discuss sexual wants and needs with your partner and tackle blockers like fear, self-consciousness, and nerves.

Read the article from Psychology Today: If You Want Better Sex, Tell Your Partner What You Want

Connect with Social Graces for updates and more over on Instagram at @socialgracespod, our DMs are so wide open.

If you’re curious about our other podcast we’ve been referencing, you can listen to the professional development-oriented podcast, Standard Office Procedures, anywhere you get your podcasts.

Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, whether it’s giving a presentation at school, toasting a loved one at a wedding, or even just leading a meeting at work. So how do you combat the nerves? This week, Grace and Shannon take on the topic of how to communicate better to a crowd by covering nerves, tech hiccups, and more.

Plus, our guest Tim Casper, founder of Lark Creative Connections and Faraway Theater, offers insight on how harnessing your nerves and embracing improvisation can make you a better public speaker.

Read the article from Inc: 21 Things You Need to Do to Speak in Public Without Fear.

Connect with Social Graces for updates and more over on Instagram at @socialgracespod, our DMs are wide open.

If you’re curious about our other podcast we’ve been referencing, you can listen to the professional development-oriented podcast, Standard Office Procedures, anywhere you get your podcasts.

Ever gotten into a fight with your partner when you were just trying to talk? Us, too. When we’re frustrated or upset, our instincts can override our compassion – especially when communicating with significant others. But how can we hold space for our frustrations and our love when emotions are high?

This week, Grace and Shannon discuss the ins and outs of communicating with your partner when tensions are high, covering everything from what to say and how to say it and ways you can listen with love.

Read the article from Mount Vernon Therapy: How to Talk with Your Partner When You’re Upset

Connect with Social Graces for updates and more over on Instagram at @socialgracespod, our DMs are wide open and we love hearing from y'all.

If you’re curious about our other podcast we’ve been referencing, you can listen to the professional development-oriented podcast, Standard Office Procedures, anywhere you get your podcasts.

“I need some space” can be the most daunting words to hear, especially when you’re not someone who’s inclined towards wanting to take it (or give it). But sometimes it’s what’s needed – so how do you navigate that?

This week, Grace and Shannon discuss how to give someone space and how to set expectations before taking time apart.

Read the article from BetterUp: How to give someone space in a healthy way.

Connect with Social Graces for updates and more over on Instagram at @socialgracespod, our DMs are so wide open that sometimes tumbleweeds blow through.

If you’re curious about our other podcast we’ve been referencing, you can listen to the professional development-oriented podcast, Standard Office Procedures, anywhere you get your podcasts.

This week, Grace and Shannon take on the topic of grief – specifically, how to support a loved one who’s grieving. It can be hard to know what to say and when to say it, and oftentimes we err on the side of saying nothing at all. If someone you love is going through grief, let’s learn together how to be there for them and communicate lovingly and compassionately.

Plus, our special guest this week is my good friend Jess, who shares her experiences with grieving after losing her husband, Thomas, and how she feels most loved and supported during a very difficult time.

Read the article from Harvard: Ways to Support Someone Who Is Grieving.

The book Grace referenced, How to Love, is by Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh.

Connect with Social Graces for updates and more over on Instagram at @socialgracespod, our DMs are so wide open that sometimes tumbleweeds blow through.

If you’re curious about our other podcast we’ve been referencing, you can listen to the professional development-oriented podcast, Standard Office Procedures, anywhere you get your podcasts