I got phone calls from both the individuals I described above. I just didn't answer. Next came texts, asking I call when I can. I feel I owe them each a response. I'm putting that off, but I feel I probably will return the calls. I don't know what I'm going to say. This shouldn't feel so difficult.

The truth is that they each have troubled lives and want solutions to problems. They're turning to me, and I've got nothing for them. I think I need to simply say that. "Gee, you have some problems, and I don't know how you will get them solved." Then I'll just shut up. They each want to talk and talk and talk about having a problem. Yet, they aren't interested in logical problem solving. Maybe I'll say, "What do you want to do to change things?" I'll be a broken record. Then they won't want to call me anymore.

Well, writing this post has helped me think things through better than I had.