Every where I go, I hear people discussing their troubles with others. The struggling economy, failed marriages, affairs, out of control teens, dead end jobs.
I've had random people vent their personal life moments to me! Who am I? I'm nobody, but maybe they feel comfortable talking to me. Maybe I have a "Random Thoughts Welcome" sign posted on my forehead.
Just the other day, while I was at work (I interact with the public everyday in my job) this pregnant woman began conversing with me about her pregnancy. I had a very low interest level, but to avoid being rude I continued to listen intently. Nodding my head and saying "mmm hmm" from time to time, that seemed to make her comfortable so she continued deeper into her personal life. She shared with me how, before her current pregnancy, she had miscarried a 6 month term baby girl. She told me how devastated she was and how depressed she was. She told me about the various anti depressants she was on, how her husband and family felt. My GOD!!! I didn't know what to say. What do you say to someone with whom you have no emotional connection, no relationship with...nothing? How do you tell them that you're sorry to hear that? Because frankly, I didn't have any emotion at all. I scrunched up my face, expressed my deepest sympathy and that was pretty much the end of it.
So that woman left my presence with all her dreary thoughts. Her emotional rain cloud lingered over me for the rest of the day. I still continue to think about her and her lost baby!!!! How unfair.
Don't get me wrong...I'm happy that she was able to conceieve again, but good grief.
My point to all this is, let's just breathe for a minute. Things can't be that bad. And if it does seem that way, rest assured that it won't last.
Look out your window and see the beauty and hope and life that surrounds you. Think positive.
And, oh yeah, I'm always available to listen
"Random Thoughts Welcome"
3 comments:
October 13, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Whenever someone has a something they can't tell someone close to them the best way is to find a acquaintance who would give the time of day to listen about their problems because they are not too close to the problem. It might be boring for you or maybe a burden but if it makes that person a little happier in their depressed life, don't you think its worth it? I know when i tell someone my problems i feel as if a weight had been lifted.
Lol, I just realised i keep disagreeing with posts by you!
October 13, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Ahhh...my dear friend Faker! Many a debate we have. :)
It's great talking to you though. I love hearing what you say even if we do disagree.
I'm not saying that I'm not sympathetic towards these people. I very willingly lend my ear. I know how much it helps to vent to a perfect stranger. I just find it fascinating that people are able to do that. I don't know why people choose me to vent to. It happens very regularly, believe it or not.
I am glad that people find comfort in it too. It just leaves me a little down. Guess I could never be a shrink.
You don't agree with me...just a little? Think back to a time...just maybe...
October 14, 2008 at 12:55 PM
I really enjoyed reading this post. It is true... things will always get better. And there are so much in our lives that we have to be thankful for.
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