Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship

#146 - Tolerate Uncertainty & Stop the Overthinking Spiral in Your Friendships with Dr. Jackie Henry


Listen Later

If you’ve ever reread a text 10 times, filled in every silence with worst-case scenarios, or found yourself leaving too many hangouts with friends regretting what you said, this conversation is for you. Psychologist Dr. Jackie Henry and I discuss tools to stop overthinking your every friendship move and learn to tolerate uncertainty in your relationships. We rarely know what someone else is thinking, and we need to stop assuming we do. Wouldn't it be refreshing to just be in your friendships and not feel like you're "performing" to always say and do the exact "right" thing? Dr. Jackie offers Dear Nina listeners practical tips for getting out of your head and back into your life so your friendships can thrive.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Silence usually means “busy,” not “they secretly hate me.”
  • Budget your “energy bucks.” Rumination is a waste of energy; spend wisely.
  • Constant overthinking can create distance between friends and lead to miscommunication, anxiety, and the fear of judgment.
  • Work to tolerate the unknown: there's power in letting things unfold naturally in friendships.
  • Lead with curiosity. A simple “Hey, when’s good to chat?” beats the story your telling yourself about why someone hasn't responded.


LINKS & RESOURCES

  • Dr. Jackie Henry’s Substack: Less Thinking, More Living
  • The Dear Nina monthly friendship challenges. (The April one was mentioned in this episode.)
  • The TikTok account I mentioned about recounting awkward moments. @amymaurercreel
 

MEET DR. JACKIE

Dr. Jackie Henry is a psychologist, writer, and founder of Less Thinking, More Living—a platform dedicated to helping people stop overthinking and start fully embracing life. Based in the Twin Cities, she also works as a wellness consultant and has a private therapy practice. Dr. Jackie combines humor, heart, and relatable insights to help individuals navigate life with greater ease and presence. Outside of work, she's at the cabin, playing board games, or enjoying happy hour with her husband, four daughters, and their small but mighty dog. You can find her on Instagram @dr.jackiehenry or on Substack at Less Thinking, More Living.


ALL THE DEAR NINA LINKS + CONTACT INFO

📢 How to promote your service, business, or book on Dear Nina

📱 Subscribe to my newsletter “Conversations About Friendship” on Substack

❤️ InstagramTikTokYouTube, & the Dear Nina Facebook group

📪 Ask an anonymous friendship question

🔎 Want to work with me on your podcast, your friendships, or need another link? That’s probably here.



Our sponsor this week: https://www.purewesson.com/

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Dear Nina: Conversations About FriendshipBy Nina Badzin

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

217 ratings


More shows like Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship

View all
The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra, The Lazy Genius

The Lazy Genius Podcast

6,536 Listeners

Thanks For Asking by Feelings & Co.

Thanks For Asking

13,263 Listeners

Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre by Jolenta Greenberg

Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre

5,393 Listeners

On Purpose with Jay Shetty by iHeartPodcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

26,894 Listeners

Friend Forward by Danielle Bayard Jackson -- Female Friendship Expert

Friend Forward

265 Listeners

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens by Dr. Lisa Damour/Reena Ninan

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens

84 Listeners

A Certain Age by Katie Fogarty

A Certain Age

231 Listeners

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson by Higher Ground

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

12,945 Listeners

Mayim Bialik's Breakdown by Mayim Bialik

Mayim Bialik's Breakdown

5,234 Listeners

We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and Audacy

We Can Do Hard Things

41,409 Listeners

It's Me, Tinx by Tinx

It's Me, Tinx

4,143 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

19,502 Listeners

Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen by Chrissy Teigen

Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen

257 Listeners

The Oprah Podcast by Harpo

The Oprah Podcast

1,455 Listeners

The Tamsen Show by Tamsen Fadal / Authentic Wave

The Tamsen Show

267 Listeners