Sometimes the people who care about us most say the wrong thing at exactly the wrong time. “Everything happens for a reason.” “It could be worse.” “You just need to forgive.” “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” The intention may be good, but the impact can still hurt.
In this episode, Jared Jones sits down with therapist April Bordeau to talk about what happens when well-intentioned words land painfully. They explore why people often speak out of their own discomfort, how to acknowledge hurt without assuming the worst about someone’s heart, and what healthy repair can look like when words cause harm.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- Why people say unhelpful things when they don’t know what to say
- The difference between someone’s intent and the impact of their words
- How seemingly encouraging statements can actually feel dismissive or invalidating
- Why you can validate your hurt without assuming someone meant to hurt you
- How to tell someone, with grace, where their words landed
- What to do when you realize you’re the one who said the wrong thing
- Why a sincere apology matters more than defending your intentions
- How forgiveness, humility, and honest conversation can strengthen relationships
April and Jared close with two important questions: Who might you need to forgive for words that hurt? And who might need an apology from you for words you never intended to cause pain?
If words have left a deeper wound than you know how to navigate, you don’t have to work through it alone. The team at Care to Change is here to help you find a path toward healing, healthier relationships, and hope.
