Illustration comparing two responses to emotional pain, showing the difference between trying to fix someone and sitting with them in compassion and understanding.

 

  • Reflection

    • What can’t she see from where she’s sitting?
    • Why can’t she see it?
    • What does the other woman see?
    • Have I ever been there?

    Looking Deeper

    • Is the woman on the right actually helping?
    • What might the woman on the couch be hearing instead of encouragement?
    • What is missing from this conversation?
    • If you were sitting on the couch, how would these words feel?
    • Have I ever tried to inspire someone before understanding them?
    • Have people ever tried to fix me when I really needed them to see me?
    • What is the difference between helping, fixing, and understanding?
    • What might happen if the woman on the right became curious instead of convincing?
    • What would compassion look like in this moment?

    Or even more directly:

    The Hard Question

    • Which woman am I more like right now?