The “Let Them” Theory:

Have you ever found yourself in a spiral of “What if they say this?” or “What if they do that?” or the ever-exhausting “Should I text them first, or should they text me?” If yes, congratulations! You’re a card-carrying member of the “Why am I so obsessed with what other people think or do?” club. But don’t worry—there’s an exit strategy to end your membership for good: it’s called the “Let Them” Theory. And yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like.

So...What Is It?

Imagine you’re holding a leash—no, not for your dog, but (brace yourself) for everyone in your life. Parents, friends, co-workers, your ex who still shows up at your favorite coffee shop every other Thursday… You’ve been tugging at those leashes forever, trying to steer people in the direction you think they should go. Spoiler alert: people hate leashes (both literal and metaphorical).

The “Let Them” Theory says: Let them do whatever they want and see what happens.

• If they want to stay in your life, let them.

• If they want to leave, let them.

• If they want to watch that weird reality show instead of the new thriller you’re hyped about... well, let them. (You can always binge your thriller solo, with a pizza. It’s called “Me Time.”)

Basically, you loosen your grip, step back, and watch the show. And trust me, the show gets way more interesting when you’re not micro-managing the script.

Why “Let Them”?

1. You’ll Breathe Easier

Do you ever feel like you’re carrying a backpack filled with bricks labeled “people’s decisions?” That’s heavy. And also super-uncomfortable. When you give people the freedom to be themselves—whatever that may look like—you drop all that extra weight. Instant relief (like popping open the top button of your jeans after a feast).

2. Their Actions Reveal Who They Really Are

The best part? When people show you who they are, you can decide if you’re on board with it or not. No more confusion. No more second-guessing. It’s like peeking at the answers before the test—but in this case, you’re allowed to.

3. You Have More Time for You

Instead of perfecting a 37-step plan to orchestrate everyone else’s behavior, you get to—drumroll—live your own life. Pick up that hobby you’ve been eyeing (archery? crocheting questionable hats?), binge-watch trashy TV, or cook something that might set off your smoke alarm. It’s your world, and you get to roam around it, leash-free.

The Comedy of Letting Go

Picture this: you text a friend about Friday night plans. They don’t reply for three hours. Old You would:

1. Check phone every five minutes.

2. Type a follow-up text, then delete it.

3. Imagine them partying in Vegas with new cooler friends.

New You just shrugs and says, “Ah well, they’ll get back to me eventually.” Then you go paint your nails or watch hilarious dog videos. Before you know it, your friend texts with some excuse about losing their phone under a couch cushion (which is 90% likely true or 100% comedic gold).

No meltdown, no drama, just a funny story about couch-cushion phone vortexes. And you lived your best life in the meantime—win-win!

But Doesn’t “Let Them” Mean I Don’t Care?

Not at all! It doesn’t mean you don’t care about people—it just means you’re not responsible for guiding all their choices with invisible puppet strings. You still love them, support them, and root for them, but you’re also giving them space to do their thing, even if that thing is puzzling. Caring doesn’t mean controlling. (Try crocheting that on a throw pillow.)

How to Embrace “Let Them” in Your Life

1. Catch Yourself
   Whenever you start to freak out about what someone else is doing or not doing, hit pause. Then mentally whisper “Let them” to yourself (or yell it if you’re feeling bold, but, you know, maybe not in a crowded elevator).

2. Redirect Your Energy
   Channel all that worry into something more fun or productive. Key word: your. Journal, dance like no one’s watching, or finally start that random online course on latte art. Because hearts in foam? Pure magic.

3. Observe and Decide
   If their actions consistently clash with your happiness—like, if they show up at your house every morning at 6 a.m. singing show tunes—then you get to decide how to handle that boundary. Letting them be themselves doesn’t mean you’re a doormat.

Final Thoughts

Life is a giant improv show where everyone’s making up their lines as they go along. Trying to write the script for every single character is exhausting. (Also, that’s a lot of typing.) So, loosen your grip and let people show you exactly who they are.

The “Let Them” Theory doesn’t make everything perfect—some relationships might fade, and others might get stronger. But at least you’ll see things more clearly, and you’ll get a break from feeling like the world’s designated stage director.

Remember, “Let them” isn’t about giving up; it’s about gaining peace of mind and letting life unfold organically. So the next time your cousin “forgets” to pay you back for the pizza or your co-worker is late to that Zoom call (again), just sit back, relax, and say, “Let them.” You’ll be surprised how freeing it can be.

Now go forth and let them do them—while you do you. The world will keep spinning, and you’ll be a whole lot happier without those imaginary leashes in your hands. Plus, all that leftover energy? Perfect for your new crocheting hobby. Enjoy! ~RS

History Lesson 101

🇫🇮 Finland’s Hard Lessons for Ukraine 🇺🇦

During the Winter War of 1939, over 400,000 Finns fled their homes when the Soviet Union invaded. To survive, Finland ceded land but kept its independence, agreeing to neutrality during the Cold War. Despite sacrifices, Finland rebuilt, grew strong, and eventually joined NATO.

Now, Ukraine faces a similar dilemma. The U.S. signals that regaining all occupied territories is unlikely and NATO membership is off the table. Many fear Ukraine could be pushed into forced neutrality—trusting Russia’s promises, a terrifying prospect for Ukrainians.

The Finnish experience shows that survival sometimes means compromise—but also resilience. Today, Finland stands strong, fully independent, and a military powerhouse.

Ukraine may face painful choices, but survival keeps hope alive for a stronger future.

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