Be honest. Have you ever felt your walls go up when someone gives you feedback? Maybe your partner says, "You're always on your phone," or your boss points out a mistake, and before you even realize it, you're explaining, justifying, or firing back.

You are not alone. Defensiveness is a profoundly human response. It is our nervous system's way of saying, "I feel threatened." But while it may feel like protection, defensiveness actually builds a wall between you and the people you care about most.

Let's talk about why it happens, how to shift it, and how to give feedback in a way that strengthens the connection rather than breaking it down.

Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/782