When Friendships Feel One-Sided, Rest Feels Wrong, and Body Image Still Hurts: Real Questions from Our Listeners
On Episode 8 of Sessions for the Soul, we did something new — we answered anonymous listener questions about friendship, rest, trusting yourself, and body image.
These are the kinds of real-life struggles that so many of us face but don’t always talk about openly. In this episode, we got honest, vulnerable, and practical about each one.
Here’s a look at the main themes we explored and the insights we shared.
When a Friendship Starts to Feel One-Sided
One listener wrote in saying they were always the one initiating — the one texting, checking in, and making plans — while their friend rarely did the same.
It left them wondering: Do they even value this friendship, or am I forcing it?
We discussed how important it is to consider context:
Is your friend going through a difficult season with less capacity to connect?
Do their actions align with your values in friendship?
Are you feeling nourished or depleted by this dynamic?
Sometimes, people disconnect not because they don’t care, but because they’re struggling with their own lives. Other times, a friendship may simply have run its course.
Either way, the most powerful step is to be brave and ask:
“I really value this friendship, and I’ve noticed some distance lately. Is something going on?”
That vulnerability can open the door to honesty, clarity, and deeper connection.
Why Rest Can Feel Uncomfortable — Even When You Need It
Another listener shared that they were feeling burned out and exhausted, yet whenever they tried to rest, guilt crept in. They felt lazy, unproductive, and stuck in a shame spiral.
We unpacked several reasons why rest can feel so hard:
Hustle culture conditioning: Many of us grew up with the belief that productivity equals worth.
Nervous system patterns: Slowing down can feel unsafe when your body is used to constant activity.
Not knowing what kind of rest you actually need: Sometimes lying down isn’t restful — maybe what you need is a walk, a creative break, or social stillness.
One key takeaway:
“Rest isn’t a reward — it’s essential.”
We encouraged listeners to explore different types of rest — sensory, social, emotional, mental — and start small, giving the body and mind time to adjust to stillness.
And if shame shows up? Name it to tame it. Recognizing the thought (“I feel lazy”) helps you step back from it and choose rest anyway.
Learning to Trust Your Inner Knowing
Self-doubt is something we all wrestle with at times. One listener asked: How do I listen to my inner knowing when I constantly question what’s right?
We talked about quieting the external noise — from social media, well-meaning friends, or family opinions — so you can hear your own voice.
Before seeking outside advice, try journaling your thoughts and feelings to get clear on what your intuition is telling you.
And remember:
The “right” choice is often the one that aligns most with your values, even if it’s uncomfortable.
You can strengthen your intuition by starting small — act on your gut feeling in low-stakes situations to build trust in yourself over time.
One of our favorite reminders came from a friend:
“The longer you ride the wrong train, the harder it is to get home.”
Body Image: When the Struggle Still Shows Up
The final listener question came from someone who had done a lot of work to heal their relationship with their body — no more dieting, moving in ways that feel good, and practicing self-compassion.
But they still had days where they felt disgusted by their reflection and fell into comparison. They felt ashamed for not being “over it” yet.
We reminded listeners:
Healing isn’t linear.
You won’t hate your body into a version you love.
Some days, neutrality — “This is my body, and it just is” — is a win.
Our bodies are constantly working behind the scenes, doing a million things to keep us alive. Gratitude for that can help soften shame.
And sometimes, it’s about curating your inputs — unfollowing accounts that trigger comparison and following ones that show diverse, real bodies.
The Common Thread
Whether it’s friendship, rest, self-trust, or body image, the through-line in all these conversations is self-awareness, compassion, and courage.
Being willing to get curious, communicate vulnerably, and meet yourself where you’re at can transform how you move through these challenges.
💬 Your Turn:
Have a question you’d like us to answer on the podcast? Submit it anonymously through the link in our bio. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
