Through Tough Times
We deal with a lot of pain and tragedy in life. It’s just the facts. But it’s important that when someone confides in you with that sort of information, you take it kindly and gently. When someone’s going through something hard, it’s not an invitation to start talking about yourself midway. Or to compare their situations with yours. Don’t diminish or downplay them either. The most generous thing you can do at this time is to just listen. Listen to their words, and offer advice only when asked. But most importantly, stay kind.
I know it can be difficult to listen to someone tell you about a situation when you feel like you’re in a deeper boat, but we all deal with challenges on different levels. There’s always going to be someone dealing with something worse than you, but that doesn’t mean you have to belittle their pain as if it means any less. And the generous thing you can do is to simply be there for someone just as you’d wish someone was there for you.
