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EPISODE · Aug 17, 2026 · 25 MIN

The Difference Between Reacting and Responding

from Men on the Path to Love · host Bill Simpson

The moment you feel criticized, dismissed, or disrespected, your body can go from zero to sixty before your mind knows what happened. That’s the difference between reacting and responding, and it’s one of the biggest skills emotionally healthy men build when they want better relationships after a breakup or divorce. I explain why a reaction is often automatic, defensive, and shaped by the past, while a response is still honest and direct but chosen on purpose. I share a story about a heated men’s workshop I attended, where two guys get triggered for totally different reasons and what they learned from it. I share my own story that demonstrates even if you react at first, you can still respond and repair afterward. I also revisit the PATH framework from the last episode with practical language you can use in real conflict to help you with responding instead of reacting, and how to repair if you do react. Check out The Difference Between Reacting and Responding, episode.Send us Fan MailSupport the showEmail: [email protected] Guide: 5 Steps to Understand Why Your Last Relationship Didn't WorkFree Guide: 7 Standards Every Man Needs Before Dating AgainWebsite: https://menonthepathtolove.com/Support The Show: Click HereFacebook: Bill SimpsonInstagram:@MenOnThePathtoLoveLinkedIn: Bill SimpsonSubstack: @billsimpson44

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 17, 2026

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The moment you feel criticized, dismissed, or disrespected, your body can go from zero to sixty before your mind knows what happened. That’s the difference between reacting and responding, and it’s one of the biggest skills emotionally healthy men build when they want better relationships after a breakup or divorce. I explain why a reaction is often automatic, defensive, and shaped by the past, while a response is still honest and direct but chosen on purpose. I share a story abou...

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