I was talking to someone I met on club house App, during our conversation the focus moved to the topic of mental health & how very few understand it. When someone is going through a health setback no matter in what form it manifests, we as social animals seek support. Often the support wone seek is for someone to listen, I listened carefully & the person on other end asked me a question… what you think, that is when I responded with the word, I hear you…
There is a huge difference from the word I hear you vs I understand you. I don’t understand his/her pain or suffering. I don’t understand their emotions because it is not me that is experiencing them so how I can say I understand you…. I see everywhere when we share something we tend to say I understand… is it the right word?
We are all born with unique experiences & a person’s state of mind at any point is never understood. So, hear them loud & clear, share their happiness& just be with them when they are in pain. Don’t go into the mode of advice & trying to help them out. Ask the right questions with consent & ask their permission before you dish out some advice…
One of the free things that is forever free is an advice dished out without asking.
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