[Macd123]

I used to buy flowers for my mom until she got too senile to appreciate them. About a month ago, I started bringing flowers to the girls at the local coffee stand - I just wanted to imagine that I had something to give to somebody. They thought it was sweet but you gotta wonder if they think it's sort of creepy too - I definitely considered the possibility. Or worse they thought that I was the saddest example of humanity on the planet. Worst case senario would be that they just refused to accept anything more than a tip - of course I would be crushed and unable to face my nemeses for weeks. So I'm at the grocery store perusing the floral section thinking what color carnations they would like - you see I would tell them that carnations were my father's favorites. I imagined this would turn their hearts to putty. My moral boundaries have totally faded away as these girls are now obligated to accept these botanical gifts forever. I ask the floral girl what color she likes - "red she says." I tell her that I'm buying them for a friend who loves carnations. "How sweet" she says. A smile came across my face - I had created a world inside this garden. Soon I would pretend the bouquet put a smile on my lover's face.

[CANDC]

That is a very touching story. I think your heart is in the right place. Give the flowers to people not just place them on the grass in the cemetary.

What else can you give? Giving is what gives people joy.

Many people who are actively involved in Psych Central find it helps take them out of their own problems to develop empathy for others. And their problems though still there are more manageable.

There are lots of compassionate people here that can make the load lighter by sharing and caring. Feel free to participate actively at Psych Central. Some people find the forums give them the compassion and empathy they seek. http://forums.psychcentral.com

Please feel free to private message me or any of the Community Liaisons by left clicking on the name in blue to the left of their post) for questions or just to share.

[Macd123]

Well this is a true story and I kinda rely on the coffee stand girls for my social activity. I sort of had a favorite and she told me she was leaving - felt like I lost my best friend. You know I'm not a young man and I fool myself into thinking I still have a chance at something lasting - I don't really think the chances are good considering what's happened so far. I'm a loner and you pay a steep price if you don't make an effort to connect - I wish I could be more positive but alas I feel I live in a darker more distant dimension then most. It's just too hard to believe anymore - I need coffee.