#564 Stop the Cycle: Why Hurting Them Back Only Hurts You (And How to Choose Calm)

#564 Stop the Cycle: Why Hurting Them Back Only Hurts You (And How to Choose Calm)

Author: Dr. Robert Puff, Ph.D. December 5, 2025 Duration: 15:35

This talk explores the critical difference between being hurt by someone else's unkindness and choosing to react with cruelty. We challenge the notion that "hurting back" is justifiable, arguing that such an action makes us the unkind person we claim to hate in others. Learn how to choose calm and break the cycle by taking responsibility for your own emotional response.

New Episode of the Happiness Podcast with Dr. Robert Puff, Ph.D.

🎧 Listen now at https://www.HappinessPodcast.org


Do you want to live a peaceful, happy life? Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Or are you simply ready to take the next step toward your full potential?

Join Dr. Robert Puff, a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience, on the Happiness Podcast. With over 20 million downloads, the podcast explores the specific actions you can take to create lasting happiness.

A licensed psychologist in Newport Beach, California and author of 15 books, Dr. Puff has spent decades studying human achievement and sharing what he's learned. He wants to help you learn the steps you need to take to soar in your own life.

His blog for Psychology Today has captivated nearly 3 million readers, establishing him as a leading thinker in mental wellness.

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Finding a sense of calm and genuine contentment often feels like navigating a maze without a map. Happiness Podcast, hosted by clinical psychologist Dr. Robert Puff, Ph.D., offers a practical and compassionate guide through that maze. Each episode feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend, one who understands the weight of anxiety, the drain of fatigue, and the universal desire for a more peaceful existence. Rather than offering quick fixes, the discussions delve into the tangible, often learnable skills that contribute to a self-actualized and resilient life. The focus here is on the deliberate steps we can take, because a flourishing life isn't a matter of luck-it's built. With over ten million downloads, this weekly series has become a trusted resource for anyone looking to move beyond simply coping and toward truly thriving. You'll hear explorations of mindfulness, psychological principles, and personal stories that translate complex ideas into actionable daily practices. Tune in for thoughtful perspectives on mental well-being that fit into the real world, all grounded in Dr. Puff's extensive experience. This podcast makes the profound journey toward lasting happiness feel not only possible but accessible, one episode at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Happiness Podcast
Podcast Episodes
#503 The Pursuit of Happiness: A Fair Game for All [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:24
The Pursuit of Happiness: A Fair Game for All Happiness is not a privilege reserved for those with fortunate circumstances, but a state of mind attainable by all. It's about recognizing the power we hold in shaping our o…
#501 How to Live a More Peaceful Life Through Ethical Choices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:49
How to Live a More Peaceful Life Through Ethical Choices In "How to Live a More Peaceful Life Through Ethical Choices," we explore the profound connection between living ethically and experiencing inner peace. Discover h…
#500 Life Sucks, or Does It? Choosing Your Perspective [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:39
Life Sucks, or Does It? Choosing Your Perspective This podcast explores the age-old question: Is life inherently difficult, or is our experience shaped by our perspective? Join us as we delve into the power of mindset, r…
#499 Living in a Material World: The Joy of Less [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:14
Living in a Material World: The Joy of Less In a world obsessed with accumulating more, 'The Joy of Less' explores the counterintuitive path to happiness through minimalism and mindful living. Join us as we uncover the s…
#496 The Art of No: Reclaiming Your Time for Happiness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:33
The Art of No: Reclaiming Your Time for Happiness Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed, overcommitted, and undernourished? Join us on The Art of No as we explore the liberating practice of saying 'no' with grace and inte…
#495 Turning Mistakes into Milestones: The Art of the Comeback [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:30
In this podcast, we delve into the inevitable mistakes and poor choices we make throughout life, exploring the valuable lessons hidden within these experiences. Join us as we celebrate the power of resilience, growth, an…