Being a listener is great personally. If I can listen to another person’s problems (and I mean just listen and not go on about my own experiences) and then give them advice (if they ask for it) which ends up helping them out, or even just being there to hear them out like a soundboard, it makes me feel good. I feel like maybe I did help the person out at the end of the day.
However, why can’t I find the same space for myself? Maybe I am overthinking this, but it feels like whenever I try to open up about something, it either shifts to the listener’s ‘relatable’ experience, an idealistic solution, or just shift the topic altogether. Idk why but it’s starting to feel like the ability to actually hear your friend’s s*** out and help them by just listening or advising is decreasing with time. If this is a popular feeling, then it’s quite a shame imo. As compassionate beings we can do much better…
