From the other side of the equation, i know what it is like to be 'spilled on.' I once asked a guy i was dating how many girlfriends he had had and he spilled on me that he had been an abused child. Now, that's very sad, but it wasn't the question and i was in the middle of a divorce and not in any position to support him about it.

It's not the first time that's happened to me, either. Once i was coming back from a business trip where i'd tracked down my long-lost and very crazy brother and i almost missed the plane and had to run and my briefcase burst open and spewed paper every where. Once i was safely on the plane i burst into tears. The guy beside me showed me a picture of his kid and told me she had cancer -- again, very sad but i was in no position to help.

What is wrong with people that my own distress prompts them to confide in me their own troubles? Can't they see that I need help? That i need support?