The Radical Power of Noticing

Women are socially conditioned to notice, anticipate, and respond to emotional cues, leading to an imbalance in expectations and responsibilities compared to men.

6 min read

Just now

Every once in a while, a post strikes gold for you because it puts language to something that deeply resonates with you. That is exactly what Tara Ryan does in her beautiful piece on the power of noticing, which she shared on her Substack Valuing Care.

Tara honors her husband with genuine appreciation, shares a moment that most couples will recognize instantly, and then expands it into a larger conversation about emotional labor, partnership, and the skill of truly seeing one another.

What sets her work apart is not only the story she tells, but the clarity she brings. Tara has spent her career building systems that support women and families, advocating on Capitol Hill, coaching leaders, designing ERGs, and now building Confidante to give mothers a judgment-free space to be supported. Tara is also a fellow Fair Play Facilitator. Her expertise shows up in the way she equips readers with thoughtful reflection questions that help couples translate her insight into action.