03/27/2026
No one likes to be told how to feel, especially when in pain. Sometimes we just need empathy and understanding. Sometimes we need to hear, ‘yeah, this really f*cking sucks, but you're stronger than you know and will get through this’--I'm here for you. Not everything needs a positive spin.
Acknowledging that life can sometimes be brutal, and that what the other person is going through is awful, is not only okay, it can be surprisingly comforting. You don't make things worse by doing this, but what does is when our friends and family can't just allow things to be what they are, and for us to feel what we feel.
Telling someone to be more positive when they're hurting, just like telling someone to calm down when they are agitated, simply does not work. Listen, sit with them, hold space for them....no judgement.
And if you have constructive words to share, by all means, please do, but at the right time, and not just a quick cliche response in order to have said something.
Am I making sense, and what are your thoughts?
🩵Leila
