Quote:
Originally Posted by Open Eyes
One is always taking a chance when discussing personal challenges with others be it with friends, family members, spouces, or even on a site like this one. That doesn't mean a person is unworthy of getting support and having a presence that will sit and listen. The risk is in "if" the people one tries to trust with a challenge "know" how to be helpful and supportive no matter what the challenge might be.
When people back off after trusting them with private challenges it doesn't mean they suddenly don't like you, instead it often means they don't know how to help you, what to say or how to problem solve with you on the challenges you may be having. Sitting with a friend or individual that is struggling and "helping" that person is actually a skill that a lot of people simply lack, no one taught them "how" to do that.
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Thanks Open Eyes, that is very true. I'm not sure if she will back off or not, she is the kind of person who gives off 'open' vibes (she was a nurse) and I think she's pretty open minded so I'm hoping she's okay with me offloading a little.
I've decided I won't worry about this, I think ours is the kind of friendship where we will drift in and out of each other's lives (it was a long time since we'd seen each other) but hopefully we can keep an open dialogue between each other when we do meet up.
I really appreciate the support and thoughtful posts - thanks!