However, I think this is pretty well-constructed and eloquent.
I don't really know what it is about us humans, but we always know what it is like (<-- sarcasm).
We all know what it is like to have a loved one die.
We all know what it is like to have have illness.
We all know what it is like to be heartbroken.
We all know what it is like to be lonely.
We all know what it is like to be depressed.
We all know what it is like to have a crisis of faith.
We all know what it is like to be relieved.
But. We. Don't.
We really don't. Because every situation is different.
Although YOU may have been through a similar event in your life, that doesn't mean you know how another person feels. I believe many people are well-meaning. But how many times do we diminish others in their time of need?
"It will get better." Okay. So what about now? What about right now in this moment when I am so *insert emotion here* (ill, heartbroken, lonely, depressed, frustrated, confused, hopeless)? What am I to do? Sit here until it passes? Cry until my eyeballs fall out? Stress until my hair falls out? Simply wait for things to get better (because we all know they will)?
It's like slapping a band-aid on a broken ankle and walking away. It's like showing up with cough drops when they need a cast and a good doctor. We write prescriptions for problems we don't see.
So why do we do that? Does it make us feel better about ourselves? Or do we honestly and sincerely think we are helping and uplifting? We confuse being sympathetic with being empathetic. We have devolved in that way.
Don't all of us, most of us, some of us just want a little validation? Don't we all just want someone to listen to what we have to say, without interjection or interruption?
If we ask a question, we should judge a little less, compare a little less, and listen a little more.
Well said my dear! Aunt Patricia
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