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Overcoming Toxic Positivity With Whitney Goodman | Live Happy

Positivity is a great thing—unless it becomes toxic. Psychotherapist Whitney Goodman joins us to explain what toxic positivity is, what it does to us, and how to manage it in ourselves and others.

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Poll Reveals Canadians Struggle to Maintain Friendships Amid International Conflict Disagreements

A recent poll conducted by the Association for Canadian Studies has revealed that a significant portion of Canadians find it increasingly difficult to maintain friendships with individuals who hold differing views on major international conflicts. The survey, which polled 1,538 respondents between September 4-6, found that 52% of Canadians believe it's becoming harder for people with opposing opinions on international conflicts to remain friends, compared to 21% who feel it's not more difficult. An additional 27% expressed uncertainty about the issue. The poll specifically examined the reconcilability of four major international conflicts: Russia-Ukraine, Russia-U.S., Iran-Western countries, and Israel-Palestine. The Israel-Palestine conflict was identified as the least reconcilable, with only 14% of respondents believing it could be reconciled. In contrast, the Russia-U.S. conflict was seen as more reconcilable (35%) than not (29%), though 36% remained unsure. Association for Canadian Studies president Jack Jedwab noted that polarization is emerging at the interpersonal level, with digital and social media amplifying identity politics and geopolitical shifts. He emphasized that the findings suggest polarization crosses linguistic boundaries, as the pattern was consistent across anglophone, francophone, and allophone respondents. Jedwab also highlighted the importance of thoughtful conversations about complex international issues, recognizing the realities faced by people directly affected by these conflicts. He suggested that reducing polarization requires identifying parameters for how such conversations can be conducted thoughtfully, acknowledging that many Canadians may have disproportionate connections to these conflicts but still need to engage in dialogue. The poll's findings indicate a growing challenge in maintaining interpersonal relationships amidst global geopolitical tensions, with the Israel-Palestine conflict standing out as particularly divisive among Canadians. The results underscore the need for more nuanced approaches to discussing international conflicts in personal relationships.