Do I seem a sympathetic listener? Do I present as understanding and non-judgmental? Do I appear the type to offer solid advice when solicited?
I don't think so either. Someone should tell that to the friends and acquaintances who recently decided, en masse but apart, to test those theories.
People with issues--real live angsty situations--who need someone to "talk to" surround me. It's a fucking epidemic, hitting from all sides: upside, outside, redside, blueside, and of course the ever popular "blindside." The past two weeks have been one startling dramatic revelation after another. The variety astounds. I pray it isn't contagious.
It may sound as though I'm complaining. Part of me is. It can be exhausting, this lending of an ear. Despite the deluge, a larger part of me is grateful for the opportunity to be there for others. Yes yes, terribly cliche. But I'm serious. What else are we here for anyway?
Today I write to celebrate those people, to applaud their courage and raw humanity. Their continuing efforts to Keep On Keeping On amid their troubles are downright inspirational.
Still. It must be said. I'm ever so glad to be listening to the ones with issues instead of being the one with issues. Who wouldn't be?
I don't think so either. Someone should tell that to the friends and acquaintances who recently decided, en masse but apart, to test those theories.
People with issues--real live angsty situations--who need someone to "talk to" surround me. It's a fucking epidemic, hitting from all sides: upside, outside, redside, blueside, and of course the ever popular "blindside." The past two weeks have been one startling dramatic revelation after another. The variety astounds. I pray it isn't contagious.
It may sound as though I'm complaining. Part of me is. It can be exhausting, this lending of an ear. Despite the deluge, a larger part of me is grateful for the opportunity to be there for others. Yes yes, terribly cliche. But I'm serious. What else are we here for anyway?
Today I write to celebrate those people, to applaud their courage and raw humanity. Their continuing efforts to Keep On Keeping On amid their troubles are downright inspirational.
Still. It must be said. I'm ever so glad to be listening to the ones with issues instead of being the one with issues. Who wouldn't be?
.
10 comments:
I hear you, SL - I was a listener today and I am glad that I could be what I needed to be for my friend, and I am also glad that I was not her - if that makes any sense whatsoever.
I think I am delurking here - I comment all over the shop, but don't know who I have or haven't - so Hi.
I think people are drawn to the pencil in your hair. It radiates empathy. At least, it does in the picture!
Funny enough, just knowing you through the blog, you do actually seem like someone that people would go to when they need an ear or advice!
Oh, puh-leeze... you whine so freaking much that the karmic cycle positively screams that you deserve some reciprocity.
I kid. At least you can feel good about the fact that you are considered by many to be a thoughtful, compassionate, upstanding, just, and caring friend. Why else would so many people feel so comfortable looking to you for solace?
Lovingly Yours,
Your Dearest Son
Listen, while I have your attention...can I tell you about...
:)
I´d definitely rather be listening than being the one with issues. At the time, I think I´m the one with issues lol. Don´t worry, I won´t go looking for you to "lend an ear to me" lol.
OK, what are the issues? Inquiring minds want to know!!!
definitely the pencil, it says "i take mental notes"
So, who do YOU go to when you need an ear? Someone to talk to that will help you feel better? Because it sounds like you're very good at listening and being there for others, but nowhere in there did you mention yourself. Just wondering. And I think it's great that you can do that btw..I'm sure your friends think the world of you! It takes a strong friend to be able to help like it sounds like you do.
MUCH better to be the listener rather than the kevetcher! It is best when there is equality on both sides & one complains, the other listens, then vice-versa. Kinda like we all do in the blogisphere.
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