42: AMA: How to Navigate Social Situations, Taking a Therapy Break, and Setting Boundaries
Navigating Social Pressures, Therapy Breaks, and Boundaries: What Real Strength Looks Like
Let’s be real: the work doesn’t stop at the gym.
It shows up in every dinner party, awkward family chat, or unexpected moment when someone questions your choices.
In this episode, I sat down with Emily Feikls to answer questions straight from our listeners—real women dealing with real-life pressure. The kind that doesn't show up in a workout tracker but still weighs heavy.
This AMA episode covered everything from how to stick to your goals in social settings, to taking breaks from therapy (without guilt), to setting boundaries with family when they start projecting their own issues onto your choices.
If you've ever felt like you’re doing the work while everyone around you isn’t getting it, this one’s for you.
1. How to Handle Social Settings When You’re Not Drinking (or Eating Like Everyone Else)
Let’s say you’re deep in a training cycle, focusing on recovery, or just don’t feel like drinking. And then... cue the questions:
“Wait, you’re not drinking tonight?”
“One bite won’t kill you.”
“You’ve changed.”
Sound familiar?
The truth? You have changed. And that’s not a bad thing.
Emily and I talked about the mental gymnastics women often go through just to justify choosing a soda water over wine, or skipping dessert because they simply don’t want it.
The takeaway here is simple: you don’t owe anyone an explanation for prioritizing yourself.
You can be respectful and still be firm. You can set the vibe without killing it.
Tactics we love:
Bring your own drink or dish to the party.
Practice short, confident responses. (“I’m good tonight, thanks!”)
Redirect the energy. Change the subject. Set the tone.
2. Taking Breaks from Therapy Isn’t a Step Back
Here’s something most people won’t say out loud: sometimes you need a break from therapy.
And that’s okay.
We’re pro-therapy around here, always. But we also believe in intentional mental health practices. That means knowing when to lean in—and when to pause and process.
Emily opened up about stepping back from therapy after years of deep emotional work. It wasn’t avoidance. It was integration.
Sometimes, growth means sitting with what you’ve learned, practicing in real-time, and trusting yourself to use the tools without needing constant guidance.
If you’re in a season where you're doing the work on your own, that counts.
3. Setting Boundaries with Family (Without Burning Bridges)
This one hit home for a lot of listeners.
What do you do when your family is supportive on the surface but constantly undercuts your growth?
Things like:
“You used to be more fun.”
“You’re obsessed with fitness.”
“Don’t forget where you came from.”
These comments come from people who love us, sure—but love doesn’t always mean they get us.
Emily and I both shared our own moments of redefining relationships with loved ones. It starts with clarity: what are you available for, and what are you not?
You don’t have to fight or explain. But you do have to be clear.
Try this:
“I’m not open to discussing that right now.”
“Let’s change the subject.”
“I’m doing what’s best for me.”
Boundaries aren’t walls. They’re filters. They keep your energy focused on what actually matters.
This Work Isn’t Loud—But It’s Powerful
Fitness isn’t just about how much you can lift. It’s about how grounded you are when the noise around you gets loud.
Saying no to a drink.
Taking a break from therapy.
Setting a boundary with your mom.
Those are PRs too.
This episode wasn’t just about answering questions. It was about reminding every woman listening that the mental reps matter just as much as the physical ones.
Protect Your Energy, Period.
We’re constantly evolving. And when you’re doing the inner work, it’ll show up everywhere—especially in social situations.
So if you needed the permission to trust your gut, stand your ground, and take up space without guilt, this is it.
You don’t need to shrink to make people comfortable.
You don’t need to explain your peace.
You just need to keep showing up.
Let’s talk about it:
Have you had to navigate a social setting where your goals or mindset made you “the odd one out”? How did you handle it? Drop it in the comments or DM me. These convos matter.
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