Burping the Tupperware: Why You Need a Safe Friend to Vent To

We all know that feeling—the pressure is building, emotions are bubbling, and if you don’t let it out, you might just explode on the wrong person. My friend Stephanie has a phrase for this: “Burping the Tupperware.”

If you’ve ever stored leftovers, you know that when Tupperware is sealed too tight, you have to “burp” it—let out a little air—so it doesn’t explode when you open it later. Our frustrations work the same way.

When we hold everything in, pretending we’re fine, eventually it leaks out as sarcasm, snapping at a loved one, or a meltdown over something small. But when we have someone safe to “Burp the Tupperware” with, we release the pressure before it turns into an explosion.

Here’s what makes it work:

1. Safety: You need a friend who won’t repeat what you share.
   
   
2. Acceptance: Sometimes you just need to say the ridiculous thing out loud, and have them nod and let you be human.
   
   
3. Perspective: The best kind of friend will let you vent, but will also help you see it differently when you’re ready.
   
   

For me, “Burping the Tupperware” with Steph might look like sending a quick text. She gets it. She laughs with me. And sometimes she lovingly calls me out.

It doesn’t take long. But it keeps me from saying things I’ll regret.

So let me ask you: Who’s your “Tupperware burper”? Who can you vent to safely—and who trusts you enough to do the same?

Because here’s the truth: we all need one. Otherwise, the pressure builds, and the mess ends up everywhere.