Definition of guilt: when your actions and values don’t align.
To avoid guilt, you usually turn to adjusting your actions, i.e. being “nice” and carrying a conversation on with someone you don’t like.
But consider re-examining the values themselves.
When you have a value of spending precious time with people who uplift you, or a value of being authentic and honest with people, you won’t feel guilty about ending the conversation early.
You’ve adjusted your values accordingly to prevent guilt, rather than doing the dance of acting certain ways to avoid it.
And remember, guilt is also an emotion wrapped up in a cultural onion. It’s the external world telling you what you’re “supposed” to do. Values become instilled, rather than chosen.
Be sure you choose your own.
Cheers,
Joel
