Pull up a chair and take a breath—then ask the question most of us avoid: who gets a seat at your table, and why? In this solo episode, I treat your table as a living metaphor for your energy, time, and love—and names what it takes to protect that sacred space without apology.
We get practical fast. You’ll hear clear, compassionate scripts for late-night crisis friendships, boundary-pushing relatives, and overflowing workloads, plus a four-part framework to sort who stays, who stands, and who moves to the balcony. We’ll also map the patterns that signal it’s time to edit your guest list (erosion, explosions, stagnation), and explore courageous hope vs. brittle hope—how to tell when optimism fuels growth and when it keeps you auditioning for a relationship that only exists in imagination.
Along the way, we return to three anchors—character, consistency, and care—because chemistry alone can’t carry a connection that refuses to evolve. There’s room here for nuance and grace: some people have good character but limited capacity; “not now” can be an act of love. You’ll hear closure rituals that soothe the nervous system and a reminder not to panic-fill empty chairs—leave space so better fits can find you. And we turn the mirror gently: be the guest you want to host.
Protecting your table is protecting your life. Curate with clarity, and you make room for relationships that truly nourish.
If this resonated, share it with a friend who’s learning to protect their own table, follow the show, and leave a review. Tell us on Instagram @DanielleSmithTV and @HopeComesToVisit which seat you’re reclaiming or which value gets a reserved chair next.
Thank you for listening to Hope Comes to Visit. If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and share the show — it helps others find their way to these conversations.
New episodes drop every Monday and Friday, so you can begin and end your week with a little light and a lot of hope. Be sure to check out Monday’s episode with humor author and all around extraordinary human – Dr. Gina Barreca – she takes us to the SCHOOL of LIFE as we talk about her new book: Gina School.
For more stories, reflections, and ways to connect, visit www.DanielleElliottSmith.com or follow along on Instagram @daniellesmithtv and @HopeComestoVisit
xo, Danielle
