Not So Normal Parenting | Enneagram, Myers Briggs, Personality, Neurodivergence, Emotional Intelligence

62 | Is Your Child an ISTP? Decode Their Quiet, Strong-Willed and Independent Spirit

The ISTP child is a natural-born problem-solver. Quiet, observant, and fiercely independent, they don’t cry for help—they look for tools. In this episode, we break down their four psychological functions: Introverted Thinking (Ti), Extraverted Sensing (Se), Introverted Intuition (Ni), and Extraverted Feeling (Fe), and explore how they shape this hands-on learner at every age and stage.You’ll learn:
What ISTP babies need to feel secure and independent
How ISTPs learn best (hint: not by sitting still)
How to parent an ISTP without micromanaging
Their strengths and potential struggles in school, friendships, and adulthood
This type is a mix of quiet calculation and physical capability—and when you understand how they’re wired, you’ll see the brilliance behind their reserved exterior.
 
Set up a FREE Chat: https://wendygossett.as.me/ChatwithWendy
Take my FREE child temperament test:  https://wendygossett.com/child-inner-drive-assessment-product/
Request a FREE Adult Temperament/Enneagram/Instincts Test: https://wendygossett.com/
Website: Wendy Gossett.com Get FREE resources on my website: https://wendygossett.com/ or email me at WendyGossett.com
Facebook Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565445936367
Book: Your Child's Inner Drive:Parenting by Personality from Toddlers to Teens on Amazon or  https://wendygossett.com/product/your-childs-inner-drive-parenting-by-personality-for-toddlers-to-teens/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaaOCjoDyOk4_gS1KCncLvQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy.gossett/?next=%2F
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/wendygossett
Wendy Gossett helps parents understand their children by using temperament psychology and neuroscience. She has over 10,000 hours of experience in education, both in the classroom and corporate sector. Even though she holds a Master’s degree in education, she struggled to understand her neurodivergent and oppositional kids.  Inspired by her experience using Myers Briggs and the Enneagram with business teams, she spent over a decade researching temperament pattens to help family teams. She is a best-selling author and host of the Not So Normal Parenting podcast.
 
Her podcast is entitled Not So Normal Parenting because not only are she and her kids neurodivergent but some of her life experiences, such as driving off a cliff her wedding night and going viral for embarrassing her seventeen-year old son by dancing on a snowy and jammed interstate, fall into that category. In addition to being talked about by Hoda Kotb, the BackStreet Boys, and Princess Kate, even U2 singer Bono mentioned the incident in his autobiography.
 
Because Wendy herself has struggled as a helicopter parent, a cranky parent and an embarrassing parent, she wants to help other parents struggle……..a little bit less!

61 | Parenting by Personality: What Makes the Social, Fun, Disorganized ESFP Child Thrive?

ESFP children are magnetic, expressive, and full of joy. They’re known for their love of fun, their strong connection to others, and their ability to turn every moment into a celebration. But behind that sparkle is a need for emotional safety and real-world experience. In this episode, we unpack the ESFP’s psychological functions—Extraverted Sensing (Se), Introverted Feeling (Fi), Extraverted Thinking (Te), and Introverted Intuition (Ni)—and explore how they shape everything from discipline to career choices.You’ll learn:
Why ESFPs respond better to praise and play than punishment
How to handle their impulsivity with empathy
How their sensory gifts show up in art, performance, and sports
What kinds of environments bring out their best
If your child is equal parts sparkle and sensitivity, this episode will help you nurture their spirit while giving them the tools to thrive.
Set up a FREE Chat: https://wendygossett.as.me/ChatwithWendy
Take my FREE child temperament test:  https://wendygossett.com/child-inner-drive-assessment-product/
Request a FREE Adult Temperament/Enneagram/Instincts Test: https://wendygossett.com/
Website: Wendy Gossett.com Get FREE resources on my website: https://wendygossett.com/ or email me at WendyGossett.com
Facebook Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565445936367
Book: Your Child's Inner Drive:Parenting by Personality from Toddlers to Teens on Amazon or  https://wendygossett.com/product/your-childs-inner-drive-parenting-by-personality-for-toddlers-to-teens/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaaOCjoDyOk4_gS1KCncLvQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy.gossett/?next=%2F
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/wendygossett
Wendy Gossett helps parents understand their children by using temperament psychology and neuroscience. She has over 10,000 hours of experience in education, both in the classroom and corporate sector. Even though she holds a Master’s degree in education, she struggled to understand her neurodivergent and oppositional kids.  Inspired by her experience using Myers Briggs and the Enneagram with business teams, she spent over a decade researching temperament pattens to help family teams. She is a best-selling author and host of the Not So Normal Parenting podcast.
 
Her podcast is entitled Not So Normal Parenting because not only are she and her kids neurodivergent but some of her life experiences, such as driving off a cliff her wedding night and going viral for embarrassing her seventeen-year old son by dancing on a snowy and jammed interstate, fall into that category. In addition to being talked about by Hoda Kotb, the BackStreet Boys, and Princess Kate, even U2 singer Bono mentioned the incident in his autobiography.
 
Because Wendy herself has struggled as a helicopter parent, a cranky parent and an embarrassing parent, she wants to help other parents struggle……..a little bit less!
 
No Kids
Wendy Gossett helps relationships by using temperament psychology and neuroscience to help couples buil deeper connections. She has over 10,000 hours of experience in education, both in the classroom and corporate sector. She has dedicated her life to learning the dynamics of human relationships. Inspired by her experience using Myers Briggs and the Enneagram with business teams, she spent over a decade researching temperament pattens to help couples and families. She is a best-selling author and host of the Not So Normal Parenting podcast.
 
She has a podcast for parents entitled, Not So Normal Parenting because not only are she and her kids neurodivergent but some of her life experiences, such as driving off a cliff her wedding night and going viral for embarrassing her seventeen-year old son by dancing on a snowy and jammed interstate, fall into that category. In addition to being talked about by Hoda Kotb, the BackStreet Boys, and Princess Kate, even U2 singer Bono mentioned the incident in his autobiography.
 
 

60 | Is Your Child an ESTP? Take the Free Temperament Test and Learn How to Parent Their Type

ESTP kids are movers, doers, and thrill-seekers. Known for their charisma, quick reflexes, and love for excitement, they thrive when they can learn by doing rather than sitting still. In this episode, we break down the ESTP’s cognitive functions—Extraverted Sensing (Se), Introverted Thinking (Ti), Extraverted Feeling (Fe), and Introverted Intuition (Ni)—and show how these influence their strengths, struggles, and motivations at every age.You’ll learn:
How to work with their impulsive nature, not against it
Why consequences need to be immediate and physical
What kinds of careers and paths this type thrives in
How to guide them without turning everything into a battle
This type is a live wire of potential—when parents understand their wiring, they can help their ESTP build self-discipline and purpose without losing their sense of fun.
 
Set up a FREE Chat: https://wendygossett.as.me/ChatwithWendy
Take my FREE child temperament test:  https://wendygossett.com/child-inner-drive-assessment-product/
Request a FREE Adult Temperament/Enneagram/Instincts Test: https://wendygossett.com/
Website: Wendy Gossett.com Get FREE resources on my website: https://wendygossett.com/ or email me at WendyGossett.com
Facebook Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565445936367
Book: Your Child's Inner Drive:Parenting by Personality from Toddlers to Teens on Amazon or  https://wendygossett.com/product/your-childs-inner-drive-parenting-by-personality-for-toddlers-to-teens/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaaOCjoDyOk4_gS1KCncLvQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy.gossett/?next=%2F
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/wendygossett
Wendy Gossett helps parents understand their children by using temperament psychology and neuroscience. She has over 10,000 hours of experience in education, both in the classroom and corporate sector. Even though she holds a Master’s degree in education, she struggled to understand her neurodivergent and oppositional kids.  Inspired by her experience using Myers Briggs and the Enneagram with business teams, she spent over a decade researching temperament pattens to help family teams. She is a best-selling author and host of the Not So Normal Parenting podcast.
 
Her podcast is entitled Not So Normal Parenting because not only are she and her kids neurodivergent but some of her life experiences, such as driving off a cliff her wedding night and going viral for embarrassing her seventeen-year old son by dancing on a snowy and jammed interstate, fall into that category. In addition to being talked about by Hoda Kotb, the BackStreet Boys, and Princess Kate, even U2 singer Bono mentioned the incident in his autobiography.
 
Because Wendy herself has struggled as a helicopter parent, a cranky parent and an embarrassing parent, she wants to help other parents struggle……..a little bit less!

59 | The #1 Parenting Strategy for Reducing Tantrums and Behavior Issues (Backed by Research)

What if one parenting technique could reduce whining, tantrums, and interruptions by up to 80%? In this episode, we dive into the research-backed power of planned ignoring, based on the work of Dr. Alan Kazdin of the Yale Parenting Center. Research from Yale's Parenting Center shows that planned ignoring—when used correctly with consistent positive attention—can reduce negative behaviors in children by up to 80%.
But here's the deal—planned ignoring only works when paired with intentional, strength-based attention. And take a guess where you can get a detailed roadmap of your child’s unique strengths? My website of course. Head to WendyGossett.com  and take the free Child Temperament Test—then grab a copy of my best-selling book, Your Child’s Inner Drive: Parenting by Personality from Toddlers to Teens. It’s your go-to guide for raising your child with insight, intention, and confidence. Learn how to strategically withdraw attention from negative behavior while building stronger bonds through positive reinforcement. With examples, step-by-step guidance, and real talk on what actually works, this episode will transform the way you parent today.
Set up a FREE Chat: https://wendygossett.as.me/ChatwithWendy
Take my FREE child temperament test:  https://wendygossett.com/child-inner-drive-assessment-product/
Request a FREE Adult Temperament/Enneagram/Instincts Test: https://wendygossett.com/
Website: Wendy Gossett.com Get FREE resources on my website: https://wendygossett.com/ or email me at WendyGossett.com
Facebook Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565445936367
Book: Your Child's Inner Drive:Parenting by Personality from Toddlers to Teens on Amazon or  https://wendygossett.com/product/your-childs-inner-drive-parenting-by-personality-for-toddlers-to-teens/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaaOCjoDyOk4_gS1KCncLvQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy.gossett/?next=%2F
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/wendygossett
Wendy Gossett helps parents understand their children by using temperament psychology and neuroscience. She has over 10,000 hours of experience in education, both in the classroom and corporate sector. Even though she holds a Master’s degree in education, she struggled to understand her neurodivergent and oppositional kids.  Inspired by her experience using Myers Briggs and the Enneagram with business teams, she spent over a decade researching temperament pattens to help family teams. She is a best-selling author and host of the Not So Normal Parenting podcast.
 
Her podcast is entitled Not So Normal Parenting because not only are she and her kids neurodivergent but some of her life experiences, such as driving off a cliff her wedding night and going viral for embarrassing her seventeen-year old son by dancing on a snowy and jammed interstate, fall into that category. In addition to being talked about by Hoda Kotb, the BackStreet Boys, and Princess Kate, even U2 singer Bono mentioned the incident in his autobiography.
 
Because Wendy herself has struggled as a helicopter parent, a cranky parent and an embarrassing parent, she wants to help other parents struggle……..a little bit less!

58 | Are You Too Smart for Friendship? What MBTI NT Types Really Need

NT personality types—ENTP, INTJ, INTP, and ENTJ—are known for their sharp intellect, fierce independence, and big-picture thinking. But when it comes to friendship, their strengths can also be their biggest struggles. In this episode, we break down how NTs approach relationships using the TRUE framework: Trust, Respect, Understanding, and Encouragement.
You’ll learn:✅ Why NTs need mental stimulation to feel connected✅ What makes them loyal (and what pushes them away)✅ Why emotions can feel like a foreign language✅ How NTs support friends in practical—but often overlooked—ways
Whether you're an NT yourself or have one in your life, this episode offers clarity, humor, and powerful takeaways to strengthen your friendships with the thinkers and strategists of the world.
 
 
Set up a FREE Chat: https://wendygossett.as.me/ChatwithWendy
Take my FREE child temperament test:  https://wendygossett.com/child-inner-drive-assessment-product/
Request a FREE Adult Temperament/Enneagram/Instincts Test: https://wendygossett.com/
Website: Wendy Gossett.com Get FREE resources on my website: https://wendygossett.com/ or email me at WendyGossett.com
Facebook Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565445936367
Book: Your Child's Inner Drive:Parenting by Personality from Toddlers to Teens on Amazon or  https://wendygossett.com/product/your-childs-inner-drive-parenting-by-personality-for-toddlers-to-teens/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaaOCjoDyOk4_gS1KCncLvQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy.gossett/?next=%2F
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/wendygossett
Wendy Gossett helps parents understand their children by using temperament psychology and neuroscience. She has over 10,000 hours of experience in education, both in the classroom and corporate sector. Even though she holds a Master’s degree in education, she struggled to understand her neurodivergent and oppositional kids.  Inspired by her experience using Myers Briggs and the Enneagram with business teams, she spent over a decade researching temperament pattens to help family teams. She is a best-selling author and host of the Not So Normal Parenting podcast.
 
Her podcast is entitled Not So Normal Parenting because not only are she and her kids neurodivergent but some of her life experiences, such as driving off a cliff her wedding night and going viral for embarrassing her seventeen-year old son by dancing on a snowy and jammed interstate, fall into that category. In addition to being talked about by Hoda Kotb, the BackStreet Boys, and Princess Kate, even U2 singer Bono mentioned the incident in his autobiography.
 
Because Wendy herself has struggled as a helicopter parent, a cranky parent and an embarrassing parent, she wants to help other parents struggle……..a little bit less!

57 | The Insecure Friend: Why MBTI NF Personality Types Feel Too Much in Relationships

Do you have a friend who craves deep, meaningful conversations, champions your dreams, and feels emotions with unmatched intensity? If so, you might have an NF (Intuitive Feeler) friend! Known for their depth, passion, and emotional intelligence, NFs (ENFJ, INFJ, ENFP, INFP) are the visionaries, dreamers, and counselors of the friendship world.
But with their high expectations, sensitivity, and desire for novelty, friendships with NFs can be both deeply rewarding and occasionally challenging. In this episode, we break down the NF friend using the TRUE framework (Trust, Respect, Understanding, Encouragement) to explore:
✅ Why NFs form soul-level connections but can struggle with feeling unseen or lonely.✅ How their idealism and deep emotions impact friendships—for better or worse.✅ Their love for novelty and growth—and how boredom can create restlessness.✅ How to be a great friend to an NF—and what they need in return.
If you’re an NF, this episode will help you understand your friendship patterns and challenges. If you have an NF in your life, you’ll gain insight into what makes them such inspiring and devoted friends.
Set up a FREE Chat: https://wendygossett.as.me/ChatwithWendy
Take my FREE child temperament test:  https://wendygossett.com/child-inner-drive-assessment-product/
Request a FREE Adult Temperament/Enneagram/Instincts Test: https://wendygossett.com/
Website: Wendy Gossett.com Get FREE resources on my website: https://wendygossett.com/ or email me at WendyGossett.com
Facebook Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565445936367
Book: Your Child's Inner Drive:Parenting by Personality from Toddlers to Teens on Amazon or  https://wendygossett.com/product/your-childs-inner-drive-parenting-by-personality-for-toddlers-to-teens/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaaOCjoDyOk4_gS1KCncLvQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy.gossett/?next=%2F
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/wendygossett
Wendy Gossett helps parents understand their children by using temperament psychology and neuroscience. She has over 10,000 hours of experience in education, both in the classroom and corporate sector. Even though she holds a Master’s degree in education, she struggled to understand her neurodivergent and oppositional kids.  Inspired by her experience using Myers Briggs and the Enneagram with business teams, she spent over a decade researching temperament pattens to help family teams. She is a best-selling author and host of the Not So Normal Parenting podcast.
 
Her podcast is entitled Not So Normal Parenting because not only are she and her kids neurodivergent but some of her life experiences, such as driving off a cliff her wedding night and going viral for embarrassing her seventeen-year old son by dancing on a snowy and jammed interstate, fall into that category. In addition to being talked about by Hoda Kotb, the BackStreet Boys, and Princess Kate, even U2 singer Bono mentioned the incident in his autobiography.
 
Because Wendy herself has struggled as a helicopter parent, a cranky parent and an embarrassing parent, she wants to help other parents struggle……..a little bit less!

56 | Are You a Controlling Friend? Strengths and Struggles of the MBTI SJ Personality

Are you looking for a steady, dependable friend who always remembers birthdays, follows through on commitments, and shows up when it counts? Then you need an SJ friend! In this episode, we explore the Guardian temperament (SJ types: ESFJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ISTJ)—the friends who hold everything together with their structure, loyalty, and strong sense of responsibility.
But just like every type, SJs have friendship strengths and struggles. While they’re incredibly reliable and thoughtful, they can also be overly rigid, controlling, or struggle with emotional connection and encouragement.
Join me as we break down the SJ friend using the TRUE friendship framework:✅ True – Their unmatched loyalty and dependability—but also their struggles with control and holding grudges.✅ Respect – How SJs show up for others but sometimes struggle with boundaries or taking on too much responsibility.✅ Understanding – The difference between emotionally attuned SFJs and logical, solution-focused STJs (and how that impacts listening and empathy).✅ Encouragement – Why SJs show support through actions rather than words—and why SFJs may need reassurance but struggle to ask for it.
Whether you’re an SJ, have an SJ friend, or just want to deepen your understanding of different friendship dynamics, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and practical takeaways. Tune in now!
 
Set up a FREE Chat: https://wendygossett.as.me/ChatwithWendy
Take my FREE child temperament test:  https://wendygossett.com/child-inner-drive-assessment-product/
Request a FREE Adult Temperament/Enneagram/Instincts Test: https://wendygossett.com/
Website: Wendy Gossett.com Get FREE resources on my website: https://wendygossett.com/ or email me at WendyGossett.com
Facebook Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565445936367
Book: Your Child's Inner Drive:Parenting by Personality from Toddlers to Teens on Amazon or  https://wendygossett.com/product/your-childs-inner-drive-parenting-by-personality-for-toddlers-to-teens/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaaOCjoDyOk4_gS1KCncLvQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy.gossett/?next=%2F
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/wendygossett
 
Wendy Gossett helps parents understand their children by using temperament psychology and neuroscience. She has over 10,000 hours of experience in education, both in the classroom and corporate sector. Even though she holds a Master’s degree in education, she struggled to understand her neurodivergent and oppositional kids.  Inspired by her experience using Myers Briggs and the Enneagram with business teams, she spent over a decade researching temperament pattens to help family teams. She is a best-selling author and host of the Not So Normal Parenting podcast.
 
Her podcast is entitled Not So Normal Parenting because not only are she and her kids neurodivergent but some of her life experiences, such as driving off a cliff her wedding night and going viral for embarrassing her seventeen-year old son by dancing on a snowy and jammed interstate, fall into that category. In addition to being talked about by Hoda Kotb, the BackStreet Boys, and Princess Kate, even U2 singer Bono mentioned the incident in his autobiography.
 
Because Wendy herself has struggled as a helicopter parent, a cranky parent and an embarrassing parent, she wants to help other parents struggle……..a little bit less!
 

55 | Are Your Friendships Too Shallow? Strengths and Struggles of the Free-Spirited MBTI SP

SP's or Sensory Perceivers in the Myer's Briggs system, are the thrill-seekers, the spontaneous adventurers, and the friends who can turn an ordinary Tuesday into a legendary night. But are they reliable friends, or just here for a good time?
In this episode, we break down:
Different types of SP friends—from the Party Starter to the Flaky Friend
Why SPs struggle with commitment and deep listening
How to appreciate their energy while setting healthy boundaries
The TRUE framework—where SPs shine and where they struggle
If you’ve ever been frustrated by a last-minute cancellation or loved a friend who pushes you out of your comfort zone, this episode is for you!
🔊 Tune in now!
 
Set up a FREE Chat: https://wendygossett.as.me/ChatwithWendy
Take my FREE child temperament test:  https://wendygossett.com/child-inner-drive-assessment-product/
Request a FREE Adult Temperament/Enneagram/Instincts Test: https://wendygossett.com/
Website: Wendy Gossett.com Get FREE resources on my website: https://wendygossett.com/ or email me at WendyGossett.com
Facebook Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565445936367
Book: Your Child's Inner Drive:Parenting by Personality from Toddlers to Teens on Amazon or  https://wendygossett.com/product/your-childs-inner-drive-parenting-by-personality-for-toddlers-to-teens/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaaOCjoDyOk4_gS1KCncLvQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy.gossett/?next=%2F
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/wendygossett
 
Wendy Gossett helps parents understand their children by using temperament psychology and neuroscience. She has over 10,000 hours of experience in education, both in the classroom and corporate sector. Even though she holds a Master’s degree in education, she struggled to understand her neurodivergent and oppositional kids.  Inspired by her experience using Myers Briggs and the Enneagram with business teams, she spent over a decade researching temperament pattens to help family teams. She is a best-selling author and host of the Not So Normal Parenting podcast.
 
Her podcast is entitled Not So Normal Parenting because not only are she and her kids neurodivergent but some of her life experiences, such as driving off a cliff her wedding night and going viral for embarrassing her seventeen-year old son by dancing on a snowy and jammed interstate, fall into that category. In addition to being talked about by Hoda Kotb, the BackStreet Boys, and Princess Kate, even U2 singer Bono mentioned the incident in his autobiography.
 
Because Wendy herself has struggled as a helicopter parent, a cranky parent and an embarrassing parent, she wants to help other parents struggle……..a little bit less!

54 | Love Personality Tests? Recognizing the Four People Patterns in Yourself and Others

In this episode, we delve into the age-old debate of nature versus nurture and its impact on our temperament.
Discover the findings of an eighty-year Harvard happiness study, revealing that 50% of our happiness capacity is determined by our temperament, which is set at birth. Despite this, we often focus on changing our circumstances rather than accepting our inherent strengths. We explore how temperament influences our reactions to life's challenges and how understanding our children's temperament is crucial for effective parenting.
Drawing from real-life examples and psychological research, we examine how temperament manifests from infancy and shapes our experiences and interactions. From fussy babies to strong-willed toddlers, each child exhibits unique traits that remain consistent throughout their lives.
Join us as we explore the four main personality patterns: Cooperators (Ox), and (Human)  Challengers (Lion), and (Scarecrows). Through anecdotes and character analyses from literature, such as "The Wizard of Oz," we gain insight into the characteristics and motivations of each personality type.
Don't miss out on practical tips for parenting and fostering harmony within your family, tailored to the specific needs of each personality pattern. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of nature versus nurture and its profound impact on our lives.
 
Website: Get FREE resources at WendyGossett.com
Get a FREE Child Temperament Test at WendyGossett.com or Email me at Wendy@WendyGossett.com
Book: Your Child's Inner Drive:Parenting by Personality from Toddlers to Teens on Amazon or  https://wendygossett.com/product/your-childs-inner-drive-parenting-by-personality-for-toddlers-to-teens/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaaOCjoDyOk4_gS1KCncLvQ
Instagram is Wendy.Gossett

53 | Feeling Lonely or Isolated? How to Find Community and Build Friendships as an Adult

Making friends as an adult is harder than anyone ever warned us about. Unlike childhood, where friendships formed effortlessly on the playground, or college, where connections were built into dorm life, adulthood throws us new challenges—busy schedules, shifting priorities, and the reality that making (and keeping) friendships takes effort.
This is a topic I love and have spent a lot of time thinking about. Years ago, I led a seminar on friendship and connection, and despite facing plenty of obstacles, I’ve been able to build an incredible, supportive group of friends. But it wasn’t by accident—it was by understanding what makes friendships work and taking intentional steps to cultivate them.
Recently, I came across Mel Robbins’ Three Pillars of Friendship—Proximity, Time/Phase of Life, and Energy—and I found myself nodding along because, yes, these are the things that make or break friendships. I also love her Let Them Philosophy, but what I’ve also embraced is the ‘Let Me’ Approach—the idea that Let me be the one to reach out, Let me be the one to host the party, Let me take responsibility for building the connections I want in my life.
In this episode, I’m diving into all of this—why making friends in adulthood is hard, how to navigate it, and how to take action to build real, meaningful relationships.
And stay tuned, because in upcoming episodes, I’ll be exploring the different types of friends based on personality—what strengths they bring to relationships, where imbalances may show up, and how to cultivate deeper connections by understanding temperament.
If you’ve been struggling to find or deepen friendships, or just want to be more intentional about the relationships in your life, this episode is for you. 
 
Get an Adult Temperament Test at Wendy@WendyGossett.com
Set up a FREE Chat at:
 https://wendygossett.as.me/ChatwithWendy
Take my FREE child temperament test:  https://wendygossett.com/child-inner-drive-assessment-product/
Request a FREE Adult Temperament/Enneagram/Instincts Test: https://wendygossett.com/
Website: Wendy Gossett.com Get FREE resources on my website: https://wendygossett.com/ or email me at WendyGossett.com
Facebook Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565445936367
Book: Your Child's Inner Drive:Parenting by Personality from Toddlers to Teens on Amazon or  https://wendygossett.com/product/your-childs-inner-drive-parenting-by-personality-for-toddlers-to-teens/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaaOCjoDyOk4_gS1KCncLvQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy.gossett/?next=%2F
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/wendygossett
 
 
 
Wendy Gossett helps parents understand their children by using temperament psychology and neuroscience. She has over 10,000 hours of experience in education, both in the classroom and corporate sector. Even though she holds a Master’s degree in education, she struggled to understand her neurodivergent and oppositional kids.  Inspired by her experience using Myers Briggs and the Enneagram with business teams, she spent over a decade researching temperament pattens to help family teams. She is a best-selling author and host of the Not So Normal Parenting podcast.
 
Her podcast is entitled Not So Normal Parenting because not only are she and her kids neurodivergent but some of her life experiences, such as driving off a cliff her wedding night and going viral for embarrassing her seventeen-year old son by dancing on a snowy and jammed interstate, fall into that category. In addition to being talked about by Hoda Kotb, the BackStreet Boys, and Princess Kate, even U2 singer Bono mentioned the incident in his autobiography.
 
Because Wendy herself has struggled as a helicopter parent, a cranky parent and an embarrassing parent, she wants to help other parents struggle……..a little bit less!