What to Do When Someone Says Something Stupid [episode 145]
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One of the questions I hear most often when teaching about validation is, “But what if I don’t agree with what they’re saying”? It’s an honest question, and one that gets to the heart of why validation can feel very challenging.
In today’s episode, I’m talking about what to do when someone says something stupid. I recently held a Good Movement workshop with a group of young veterinarians. One participant asked what to do when someone says something that seems “stupid.” Another wondered how to respond when someone shares something that simply isn’t true.
Honestly, both questions point to the same truth: validation isn’t about deciding who’s right or wrong. It’s about recognizing the humanity behind what someone is feeling.
No, we don’t have to agree with another person’s viewpoint to ask thoughtful questions, acknowledge their emotions, or create space for connection. Curiosity doesn’t erase our own beliefs – it simply helps us communicate with more compassion.
If you’re interested in bringing a Good Movement workshop to your workplace, conference, or organization, I’d love to connect with you. Send me an email to learn more about booking one for your group!
In this episode, What to Do When Someone Says Something Stupid, I cover:
- The validation exercise I used in my recent Good Movement workshop
- Why the most helpful response can simply be your presence
- How every perspective is shaped by unique life experiences
- Why you can validate someone’s feelings without validating misinformation
- What validation really is + why feelings are ALWAYS valid
- How validation can lead to stronger communication + deeper relationships
Resources & Links:
- Schedule a free consult and see if 1:1 Good Movement Guidance is right for you – mention “castpod” when you book to receive 10% off!
- Check out my merch shop
- Join the waitlist for the Good Movement Collective
- Good Movement music by: Aaron Espe
- Podcast produced by: Jill Carr Podcasting
Connect with Terryn:
- Follow on Instagram @terryn.drieling
- Check out my website
- Send me an email at terryn@terryndrieling.com
Related Episodes:
- Episode 30: Let’s Normalize Asking Questions
- Episode 50: Validation vs. Agreement: Understanding the Difference and Why It Matters
- Episode 51: Practical Tips for Validation: How to Validate and Seek It in Relationships
- Episode 140: Perspectives… We’ve All Got Them
More about the Good Movement Draws Good Movement podcast:
In stockmanship (the art and science of handling cattle in a safe, effective, low-stress manner), we have this phrase . . . good movement draws good movement.
It’s this thing that happens when we ask a small group of cattle, maybe a cow or a pair, to move out in a certain direction, and their movement draws the whole herd into moving in the same direction.
Good movement happens when we approach the cattle with a positive attitude, read and really listen to what they’re telling us, and communicate accordingly.
We don’t approach the aware, flighty cattle the same as we do the tame, docile cattle. We adjust ourselves, our energy, and our approach, and we communicate with each other differently.
These adjustments help us effectively draw good movement from each, which then draws good movement from the herd. But it starts with us.
The same is true for humans. Good movement starts with us.
Welcome to Good Movement Draws Good Movement, the podcast where farmers, ranchers, and rural folks can grow relationally through awareness, understanding, and effective communication.
Hey, it’s me – T. I’m your host, and I, along with my guests, will be covering topics related to drawing good movement – things like self and social awareness, brain science, positive psychology, extending grace, and so much more.
We’ll share tools that can help you understand why you are the way you are, why others are the way they are, and how you can use that to step out of self-told lies with grace and compassion to draw good movement in conversations, relationships, and life in rural America.
Tune in every Tuesday, and make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode! Let’s go draw good movement!
