Friendship

What kind of friend do you need me to be?

~ Jessica Aden

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My friend Jessica taught me how important it is to ask people what they need when they are talking to you. Do they need you to be silent and listen? Do they need you to wallow in whatever struggle they are facing? Do they need you to affirm some injustice you are experiencing? Do they need you to discuss options for moving forward? Or maybe they need you to tell them it's going to be okay and you should quit whining and deal with it.

I am someone who usually tries to fix things, but Jessica taught me that isn't always what is best. So now, instead of starting by suggesting solutions, I start by telling the person talking to me to quit whining. 

Thanks for all those options, Jessica.