….that when someone I love is hurting, I need do nothing or say nothing other than “what do you need from me?” and it will be interesting to see that even that may be wrong. I’ve been told to not wait for people to call on others for help as some for some people, that’s just not in their nature to call on help.

I’ve tried the “just breathe” response and been told in a gruff voice “don’t tell me what to do!”

I’ve tried offering a suggestion to someone who feels they have no alternatives and been told “I’m mothering and to stop it!”

If the person hurting is a non-believer, do they want me to offer them thoughts and prayers? I doubt it.

Hugs are out these days, post pandemic, is it really post-pandemic, for obvious reasons.

So I guess I just need to grow a tough skin and sit idly by while they hurt. Totally not in my nature, but nature seems to be telling me that I’m wrong at every turn, doing what comes naturally for me.

Still learning… after all these years.