Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of TODAY With Jenna and Friends, has built a reputation for offering thoughtful and practical advice on navigating social dilemmas. 

Alongside guest host Talia Parkinson-Jones, an executive producer on TODAY, she shares her perspective on a wide range of topics, 

from addressing body shaming to handling tricky situations with friends and family. 

Their insights, featured in REAL SIMPLE Magazine, provide guidance on modern manners in everyday interactions.

If you’re struggling with a social dilemma and need advice, Jenna invites readers to submit their concerns for a chance to receive guidance in an upcoming issue. 

Their approach is straightforward yet compassionate, aiming to equip individuals with the tools needed to handle awkward or challenging situations gracefully.

How to Address Body Shaming

One of the most sensitive yet significant topics Jenna and Talia discuss is how to respond to body shaming. A reader shared her experience of dealing with in-laws who frequently make negative comments about women’s appearances—something that deeply unsettles her, especially since she wants to raise her daughter in a more body-positive environment.

Jenna suggests having an open conversation with one’s partner first, ensuring that both parents are on the same page about the impact of such remarks. She highlights the importance of addressing the issue directly with in-laws, framing it in a way that emphasizes its effect on their grandchild rather than making it a personal grievance. By saying, “I know you don’t mean any harm, but these comments can influence how our daughter views herself and others,” the discussion remains constructive rather than confrontational.

Talia reinforces this approach, emphasizing that it’s about setting boundaries and making it clear that body shaming doesn’t align with the family’s values. She encourages parents to be firm but kind, ensuring that the message is received without sparking unnecessary conflict.

Navigating Friendships With Clear Boundaries

Another common social challenge Jenna and Talia tackle is the difficulty of understanding a friend’s true intentions when making plans. One reader shared that her friend frequently asks, “Are you free on Saturday?”—a seemingly casual invitation that often turns out to be a request for babysitting or pet-sitting rather than socializing.

Jenna suggests responding with transparency, saying something like, “If you’re asking if I’m free to hang out, then yes! But I can’t watch the dogs.” This way, the friend understands that the person is willing to spend time together but doesn’t want to be constantly relied upon for favors.

Talia, however, believes that a softer approach could work just as well. Instead of explicitly declining, she recommends responding with enthusiasm about spending time together: “I can’t wait to hang out! It’s been too long.” If the friend was indeed looking for a favor, they will need to follow up with a direct request, at which point a simple “no” is perfectly acceptable.

Both Jenna and Talia agree that friends should respect each other’s time and that no one should feel obligated to provide excuses when declining an unfair ask. The key is to set boundaries without feeling guilty.

Handling an Unfaithful Ex’s Oversharing

Relationship history can sometimes resurface unexpectedly, as seen in one reader’s dilemma. She discovered that her ex-husband’s new wife had posted a public anniversary message, celebrating “eight years of adventures”—even though he had only been married to her for four. This revelation suggested an overlap between the two relationships, reopening old wounds for the reader.

Talia’s advice? Address the issue head-on. She suggests directly telling the new wife that while she’s happy for them, the timeline shared in the post is problematic and comes across as disrespectful. Rather than dwelling on the past, the conversation should focus on the public nature of the post and the message it sends, especially to their children.

Jenna takes a slightly lighter approach, suggesting a more subtle response like, “Eight years? That math is giving me a headache.” This keeps the conversation open-ended while making it clear that the inconsistency has been noticed.

The Proper Etiquette for Dog Waste Disposal

An everyday dilemma many pet owners face is where to dispose of their dog’s waste while on a walk—especially on trash collection day. One reader asked whether it’s acceptable to drop a bag of dog waste into a stranger’s bin rather than carrying it home.

Jenna and Talia both agree that as long as the garbage is being collected that day and the bag is properly sealed, it’s not a big deal. They emphasize that people are already dealing with enough in their daily lives, and stressing over something as minor as dog waste disposal shouldn’t be a priority. However, they do acknowledge that if a homeowner were to object, a quick apology would be the polite way to handle the situation.

Final Thoughts on Modern Etiquette

In a world where social interactions can be complicated, Jenna Bush Hager and Talia Parkinson-Jones offer a refreshing perspective on navigating these dilemmas with honesty and grace. Whether confronting body shaming, setting boundaries with friends, or handling past relationship drama, their advice centers on being direct yet kind.

By fostering open communication and encouraging respect, they remind us that modern etiquette isn’t about following rigid rules—it’s about creating healthy, considerate relationships with those around us.

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