So...something that has bothered me for a VERY very very long time is how we, as a society, are obsessed with trivializing one another's problems. For example: if I come to a friend with a gripe or complaint, I know that my problems can always "be worse". Of course I am grateful for not missing a limb, having all of my immediate family members with me, having a job, roof over my head, food, friends, love, etc.etc.etc., but when did it become so wrong for people to feel how they feel? When did it become so wrong to just have a good, old fashioned bitch session? When, and why, did we stop giving people permission to feel exactly how they're feeling, at exactly that moment, and meet them where they are instead of trying to take it away from them? It's time that we stop taking that away from people and start giving them what they are looking for - validation for their feelings.
If I get up in the morning and bitch about how I don't want to get out of the bed - I don't want to be met with some nonsense about how at least I woke up. Of course I'm happy that I woke up - of course I am grateful to have all that I have - I was just making a bratty little comment about having to get out of a warm bed (which, if you don't hate THAT feeling, then you're lying to yourself and everyone around you). So - the next time someone comes to you with a complaint, a vent, a sad story, a need for a listening ear...please PLEASE do not remind them that it can "always be worse"....just listen, validate their feelings, let them get it off their chest and then.....remind them that you love them.
