Toxic Positivity
Keeping It Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy
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4.6 • 8 Ratings
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
A powerful guide to owning our emotions—even the difficult ones—in order to show up authentically in the world, from the popular therapist behind the Instagram account @sitwithwhit.
Every day, we’re bombarded with pressure to be positive. From “good vibes only” and “life is good” memes, to endless advice, to “look on the bright side,” we’re constantly told that the key to happiness is silencing negativity wherever it crops up, in ourselves and in others. Even when faced with illness, loss, breakups, and other challenges, there’s little space for talking about our real feelings—and processing them so that we can feel better and move forward.
But if all this positivity is the answer, why are so many of us anxious, depressed, and burned out?
In this refreshingly honest guide, sought-after therapist Whitney Goodman shares the latest research along with everyday examples and client stories that reveal how damaging toxic positivity is to ourselves and our relationships, and presents simple ways to experience and work through difficult emotions. The result is more authenticity, connection, and growth—and ultimately, a path to showing up as you truly are.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Goodman, the "radically honest therapist" behind the Instagram account "sitwithwhit" makes her debut with a sharp takedown of "toxic positivity," which she considers dismissive regardless of its often better intentions. Goodman doesn't mince words as she runs through the basics—what toxic positivity is, why it's harmful, how to combat it—opining that "talk is cheap and platitudes are even cheaper." She goes on to argue that relentless encouragement to look on "the bright side" can be a form of gaslighting, and even that toxic positivity perpetuates oppressive systems and prejudice ("discrimination with a smile"). She backs it all up with copious amounts of research, examples from clients she's worked with (unfortunately, though, too few of them), and her own life experiences. Goodman promises fulfillment via balancing happiness and pain, complaints and gratitude, and empathy and boundaries. Tools including exercises and bulleted lists make attaining such an even-keeled attitude feel doable. In a genre dominated by the upbeat, Goodman's realism both stands out and takes the edge off; as she says, "It's OK if you don't always say the right thing; you're not a Hallmark card." Goodman matter-of-factly challenges genre status quo, while maintaining respect for its readers.
