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In this episode of Laughing Through the Uncomfortable, Julie and Jeff go back to Jeff’s college experience—living in the dorms during COVID, navigating social cues, and trying to build friendships in a world that suddenly made connection… complicated.

From scented candles and RA run-ins, to awkward roommates, unexpected “bodyguard duty,” and the emotional reality of being left out, this conversation gets real about what it feels like to try to belong when you experience the world a little differently.

They reflect on feelings of exclusion, the importance of friendships, and the lessons learned from these experiences, ultimately highlighting personal growth and the need for kindness in social interactions.

If you’ve ever felt like you were trying harder than everyone else to connect—or like you didn’t quite fit the mold—this episode will hit home.

Listen in and laugh with us through the uncomfortable.

takeaways

• COVID stripped away social interactions for many students.
• Living in dorms can be challenging due to differing personalities.
• Building confidence is essential in social settings.
• Age differences can complicate relationships in college.
• Feeling excluded can impact one's self-esteem.
• It's important to engage with others and break the ice.
• Friendships can be formed through shared experiences.
• Understanding social cues is crucial in group dynamics.
• Personal growth often comes from uncomfortable situations.
• Kindness and inclusivity should be prioritized in social interactions.

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Dating is hard. Dating after COVID is weirder. Dating on apps—when you’re also trying to decode unspoken rules about texting, timing, and “not looking needy”—can feel like a full-time job.

In Episode 5, Julie and her son Jeff get real about:

• Why “reading the room” is hard enough… and reading the digital room is worse
• The texting games people play (and why Jeff refuses to play them)
• Ghosting, red flags, and learning the hard way what to walk away from
• The moment a group of women told Jeff he sounded “too nice” — and why that hit deep
• What Jeff actually wants: something simple, steady, and real… and why that seems “boring” to some people

It’s funny, blunt, and unexpectedly heartfelt—especially if you’ve ever been labeled “too much,” “too nice,” or “not mysterious enough.”

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In this episode, we talk honestly about what it’s like to grow up neurodivergent in a system built for one kind of learner. From being labeled “lazy” or “unmotivated” to quietly carrying the belief that something must be wrong with you, we unpack the moments school missed — and the impact that still lingers into adulthood.

This isn’t a teacher-bashing conversation. It’s a real one.
About effort without understanding.
About kids trying their best without the language to explain why it wasn’t working.
And about what changes when we finally name the difference between not trying and not being supported.

If you’ve ever felt misunderstood in school — as a student, a parent, or an educator — this conversation is for you.