Vernae Bezear: 0:02

Hello, beautiful souls, and welcome back to the Listening Ears podcast. I'm your host, Vernae Bezear, and this is your gentle space for reflection, growth and connection. Today we're talking about something many of us quietly wrestle with but rarely name openly, and that is avoidance. I had a conversation recently about things we leave unsaid, the unspoken words, we hide away in the hope of maintaining peace. But here's the truth Silence isn't always peaceful. In fact, avoidance often breaks more than conflict ever, ever could. It creates invisible walls between us and the people we love most. Today, let's gently explore why facing difficult conversations head-on can not only preserve our relationships but deepen them in ways we never ever imagined. Let's settle in and begin. Let's start by admitting something Most of us dislike conflict.

Vernae Bezear: 1:26

We see it as uncomfortable, messy and even dangerous. But have you ever noticed what happens when we avoid conflict completely? That quiet tension grows heavier, deeper, louder, despite our silence. Avoidance isn't just a neutral act. It doesn't make issues vanish, disappear. It allows them to quietly deepen their roots. Allows them to quietly deepen their roots. Over time, those small, unspoken issues become large resentments, resentments that quietly separate us from each other. Take a moment to reflect. What are you avoiding right now in your relationships. Maybe it's a tough conversation with your partner, your child, a friend or maybe even yourself. Notice how heavy the silence feels. It's important to recognize how avoidance, while seeming protective, might actually be slowly breaking connections that really matter deeply to you. Let's shift our perspective slightly.

Vernae Bezear: 3:09

Conflict doesn't always automatically mean that something's wrong. In fact, healthy disagreements can be powerful opportunities to deepen intimacy and trust. Think of conflict as an invitation, an invitation to honesty, to vulnerability, to growth. Conflict asks us to speak our truth and listen deeply to others. When we discuss things directly, we communicate respect and care. We show the people we love that I'm willing to risk temporary discomfort to create lasting connection. Music. What does healthy conflict really look like? Well, it involves kindness and clarity coupled with empathy. It means setting aside all blame and prioritizing understanding. Here's something powerful to remember All repair, all healing, starts with truth. Relationships are resilient. They can handle difficult words, uncomfortable honesty and authentic, truly authentic expressions of emotion. What they struggle with is silence, avoidance and the invisible distance they create.

Vernae Bezear: 5:15

True peace is built from honest expression and intentional connection. Consider this Honesty is a love language, is a love language A language that says I care enough about us to share what's real. This honest sharing, even though it's challenging, creates bridges, not walls. Let's talk about how to speak these truths intentionally. Remember, honesty doesn't have to be harsh. It can definitely be gentle, thoughtful and, above all, respectful. It involves owning your feelings, avoiding blame and making space for the other person's truth as well. Maybe your truth sounds like I've noticed some tension between us and I'd love to understand your feelings better, or I'm finding it really hard to let this go. I think we need to talk, or I care about our connection way more than comfort right now. This isn't just communication for the sake of talking things out. It is courageous vulnerability and it's exactly what deep relationships need to grow and thrive. As we wrap up, I invite you to hold these truths close.

Vernae Bezear: 7:13

Avoidance isn't peace. Honesty is Silence doesn't keep the peace. Vulnerability does. Conflict isn't always destructive, but it can be deeply connective. You're not alone in feeling the discomfort of difficult conversations, but remember, when you choose courage over comfort, you choose connection over separation Over comfort, you choose connection over separation. I encourage you this week to gently face one conversation you've been avoiding. Approach it with kindness, with vulnerability and trust that genuine relationships can hold space for truth, even uncomfortable ones. If today's episode resonated with you. I would love to hear your reflections. What conversation will you have this week? How are you moving from avoidance to authenticity? Moving from avoidance to authenticity? Dm me share your stories. I'm here to hold space for each and every one of you and if you know someone who needs this gentle push, please share this episode. Let's support each other in creating relationships that thrive. Thank you so much, dear listeners, for tuning in to Listening Ears Podcast. And remember keep listening, keep loving, keep speaking your truth Until next time. I'm Vernae and I'm here listening.