Have you ever felt like decluttering makes other people in your life defensive? Like you're judging them–even though you're not? In this episode, I’m talking about the relationship tension that can come up when we choose to live with less stuff.

I break down why people might feel judged:

• Natural comparison
• Identity tied to possessions
• Cognitive dissonance
• Psychological reactance
• The spotlight effect

And what I personally do to keep things positive:

• Keep it personal (“this works for me”)
• Avoid “should” language
• Stay curious about others
• Don’t give unsolicited advice
• Never gossip

I hope this episode helps you better understand where other people's defensiveness might come from (and your own!), and how to navigate lifestyle differences without straining relationships or compromising your own values to keep the peace.

PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):

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