Are you tired of talking about the weather or what you do for a living? Are you an introvert that feels tortured by small talk? We've got you! In this episode, you'll learn how to ask the right questions in awkward social settings to cut through the small talk and really get to know people. Magical questions are questions that everyone wants to answer and everyone wants to hear the answers. You can use this technique at any social gathering where you don't know anyone, or you can use it to spark interesting discussions with your friend and loved ones. Ready, Set, Connect!

Tary's favorite item of the week
https://www.netflix.com/title/81783093

Nikki's favorite item of the week
https://www.amazon.com/LiBa-Massager-Trigger-Fibromyalgia-Scratcher/dp/B098VZKHWB/ref=sr_1_5?crid=36V0GGZR0U0C9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vHEVVsWNO_EnJJOGQ_jaxAmGiluRg3pb6nFDNcm58jsMf8vQ9_SQs9cmHmVoE1e7k7gr0MXEzEVnYX2oomoVpDL3n2j0oRh56lwugthvYnIO8rDhauxTFsRyEA_zJ5bU7l291sAzzd1K6UiR6oI4xI7VcxIP7nYEHfw-Ev8fpEvySarSq7bJq727IMBVWilDSrKJ7-8-nYIGQjYVfYxaiWAd3-EwBPDCy62em6TgoKFnmmto-u1v69SqBW1A2xK95ywJbWP9-xF98onOEUneU8qma_nEo_Tig2K2DkqHX4Y.LAIEjHi-LWXJqeBRWFFAo8kmwktJm6_Z3zr51FDNjME&dib_tag=se&keywords=liba%2Bback%2Band%2Bneck%2Bmassager&qid=1759787543&sprefix=liba%2Bneck%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-5&th=1

Having healthy boundaries is the best way to have healthy relationships in all aspects of your life including romantic relationships, friendships and work, but it can be a confusing concept. In this episode, Tary and Nikki talk about 7 different types of personal boundaries, how to set them and how to protect them. You'll learn what to do and what not to do when someone violates your boundary. Let's all get better at boundaries together!

Tary's Favorite Item of the Week
https://www.amazon.com/Kitsch-Exfoliating-Scrubber-Cellulite-Lymphatic/dp/B09RYLXT1D/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2Q70DYI9U2PI8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gLEqA4ASdQS8eeJU78egSTs0XRid8DVzfVIZibiwoVOb_YWq2UZEdEOJXuLqCLA4Ma2Y1JyaxhyxIgCInma6I6Q5YTxfSI53_U7hs_-lNk4-wvL-f3SmqsFK7F4fNy7HzZbB7o51ZZ9nlF_vcrItlIEuzQSRcrWB8lbgLjmxNW373GZvj4dVgpGQZ8BPFEsF0jO1cS_dLRMlswxKqqSGqhmgs7dL8gjAVChslEKwSkt-wC4HyQJYsAxrzh_BfOnJkEe3AIRsWDTD67ub9uR0krxTC6yHH4ofo8hxP_bP1Sk.mYzl-DnB04srNyIPI0Wy-jt8bzMGQXWYCq-MJWJzAdY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Kitsch+Dry+Brushing+Body+Brush&qid=1759781168&sprefix=kitsch+dry+brushing+body+brush%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-5

Nikki's Favorite Item of the Week
https://www.netflix.com/title/81630027

Decision making is a part of our everyday lives, but sometimes we just get stuck. The third option is a technique Tary and Nikki have been using for a while to help the decision making process go easier. The option to do nothing is also a valid position to take, and we'll tell you why and how to do it properly. Be prepared to step out of your box, get creative, and make decisions like a boss!

Tary's favorite item of the week
https://www.amazon.com/Housemaid-Freida-McFadden-Housemaids-Watching/dp/B0D96PRTK2/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1CD1DHEQPSGQ7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NpKCwZNiHePS8Kz4Nn7ysyf7gljdZYg06f75Z3hDVOjwoifiWPVDPDjZ-DgrIqsW0XT05euviEbD5Ezj8AODV5eQ-ykj2HBuwdVxOL3Ahskit4pM1Vhbn9cKWqrxWMjur9YmCjqA9paDnaAgyeRige8iN24eLl524cDQkS_pw0NJlA_427eOVv_1U2Lsez4CkV08CAWCAbG4hrd3tHjkCpqOlZ70akOiMdr2SVZfVqg.jeU59b2Cm3FF4BTEZUms41gTDqUJ59AG0vanDa6SPmw&dib_tag=se&keywords=freida+mcfadden+the+housemaid+series&qid=1759189529&sprefix=freida+mcfadden+the+hou%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-5

Nikki's favorite item of the week
https://www.amazon.com/Clyecfra-Salicylic-Strength-Moisturizer-Hydration/dp/B0DP597DVZ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1Q1HGRZGRKA0S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VAjOEcwRcqaLRhp4WgBPhMK0Ry3qGaXdJbwz_2zwT8G4gjkyg2zAp5TmWxaHiVHnM6zRertRSPC-6JYVPT6nHgQVTFnMiun-3smfXPDEnDiBOHc937PNCmhEn-Tx01lg0Nab3iHndpzPEIUNUHdjV9Z5EDMOKwF26yPF4K_EJSXcOOyO_ONMP_qGmVytm5d4kOalntAzOZarI-KE76L1vDzTxhYGnuj2qJ0by0I3QwxtgjR7cao-5vi4No4hcxPePSDvBbW_-unlhyajnJ-VaqsaXOUupUC3vBR-HW2cX6g.efGh0DUWzHNNcCuFqzTTY_DWW6IXS299-freYYAVYYg&dib_tag=se&keywords=urea%2Bcream%2B60%2Bpercent%2Bfor%2Bfeet%2Bmaximum%2Bstrength&qid=1759189617&sprefix=urea%2Bcream%2B%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

This is the second installment of our Toxicity Series. If you are, have been, or might be involved in a toxic relationship...this episode is for you. Nikki and Tary explore the signs and symptoms of a toxic relationship and also give ideas on how to extract yourself from these situations if needed. Trigger warning: Talk of physical, mental, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse in the last 5 minutes of the episode. 

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, you can call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or click here: https://www.thehotline.org/

Tary's favorite item of the week
https://www.amazon.com/l-f-Vitamin-Brightening-Soothing-Cruelty-Free/dp/B0F3JCDFVT/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9kmQZYNRa85Lc_ef01Fvr6W1LZyCupN1vqPVdJKCNSJTs4GTHUuaPBIdWGUp8I1kAUlKj6Oc9KDEnlnpNuyZy_RfdJQGhPqjW2AebgqCXhRYoGGZAZ6VlBeImMm4FaAaEkO4_5S7pRv4aJ8YqAgN88_PSJfAANkmAtvLpBYJirzGdXmVbMp5ER5C0GKPR9DKyG_w6HuUBVdD5FNP1peVwUD9ABnsO9un5F6L04DHxz0Bogwy6RlGmRNINXKu8jh0NOKVeSUST1KTI1RVYbqHzlTQqvZuJeyZQDuzXqY4hjs.aevx6srqXJdmOW2YqSzuM-cpXAG87474y4Hed2Wvz_Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=ELF%2Bskin%2Bbright%2BIcon%2BVitamin%2BC&qid=1759179480&sr=8-1&th=1

Nikki's favorite item of the week
https://my.shortstorybox.com/?tag=gads-13956835817-132767285216-575789878079/short%20story%20box&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=13956835817&utm_adgroup=132767285216&utm_content=575789878079&utm_term=short%20story%20box&matchtype=e&network=g&device=c&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13956835817&gbraid=0AAAAAC-ufTkUalGhVsGxHnAmSWb9BTlzU&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3OjGBhDYARIsADd-uX5axBmTGLeNcfQN2oHMvybg4ORNsU-iDFcppBkrvfzR2JHWQ2qmAFwaAqPqEALw_wcB

DM us "Short Story" through our Facebook page, Blunt But Brilliant Podcast, for a link to get your first $25 styling fee with Short Story Box waived. 

Toxic people are all around us. They can be our partners, coworkers, family members or friends. Even WE can be toxic sometimes. This episode takes a look at how to identify a toxic person, how to deal with a toxic person and what to do if we discover that we are the toxic person. Nikki also tells a relatable story about a work incident that will now forever be referred to as "The Bell Situation", and Tary thinks that we should invent a Bingo card for dating. What strategies do you have to keep yourself grounded when interacting with toxic people? Let us know by following our Facebook page. We love to hear your comments and suggestions!

Welcome to Blunt But Brilliant! Get to know your cohosts on this "Meet and Greet" with Nikki and Tary. We share who we are, how we met, and where we hope to take this podcast. We also talk a little bit about our tried and true method of problem solving and decision making we call "The Third Option". We love suggestions and comments, so follow our Facebook page, and let us know what you're thinking.