One of the most counterintuitive truths about social life: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Social Life Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of social life
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking social life is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging social life without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing social life to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for social life while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Social Life
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting social life, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Social Life
Many people find that when they stop fighting social life and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of social life is partly the struggle against it.