46. How Perfectionism Hurts Our Friendships (& What to Do About It)

In this episode, Jewel dives into the sneaky ways perfectionism can mess with our friendships and emotional connections. Ever feel like you're overthinking every text or putting pressure on yourself to be the “perfect” friend? You’re not alone—and Jewel’s got your back.

She unpacks how perfectionism often shows up as a survival strategy, keeping us stuck in our heads and holding back from real connection. But don’t worry—there’s a way out! Jewel shares how embracing vulnerability, practicing self-compassion, and letting go of the need to be flawless can actually strengthen your relationships and ease social anxiety.

You’ll also get some super practical (and surprisingly fun!) tips to “unshame” yourself, treat yourself with kindness, and try playful social experiments that help you show up more fully—and more you—in your friendships.

• 00:00 - The Burden of Perfectionism

• 04:36 - How to Release Perfectionism in Your Friendships

• 08:54 - The Power of Self-Compassion

• 20:40 - How My Program Can Help You

• 22:54 - Outro

  
  

You’ll Learn:

• Perfectionism is a survival strategy that harms relationships.

• Vulnerability is essential for emotional closeness.

• Self-compassion helps regulate anxiety and fosters connection.

• Practicing vulnerability can be challenging but rewarding.

• Perfectionism leads to overthinking and emotional burdens.

• Embracing imperfection can enhance friendships.

• Small playful exposures can reduce the fear of judgment.

• Self-kindness is crucial in moments of social anxiety.

• Authenticity in friendships leads to deeper connections.

• You do not need to be perfect to be loved.

  
  

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If you are new here, WELCOME! The Socially Delightful Podcast is an edu-tainment podcast created for the big-hearted girlies who want to not just feel more confident but DELIGHT in themselves, delight in socializing and other people, and create delightful friendships and relationships. We are on a mission to create a culture of connection in our modern world, and to more DAMSELS LIVING IN SOCIAL DELIGHT.

Your host Jewel (from @ConnectionWithJewel) is a future therapist, overly certified coach, and human-connection obsessed, imperfect human. Jewel has helped 65+ people through her one-on-one program, and is now going to be helping YOU through her podcast! If you want Jewel’s help becoming your most socially delighted self, check out her one-on-one program, group program, retreats and MORE at www.connectionwithjewel.com!

This ain’t your average self-help podcast. Each week, through stories and shenanigans and laughs and modern philosophy, Jewel will be LIGHTING YOU THE F UP so you can enjoy being yourself and fill up your cup through connecting to the other people around you. And help create a culture of connection and SOCIAL DELIGHT. 

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