What would you make of this exchange?

Friend A has crohns disease and has been struggling recently.

Friend B texts her. This is how the messages go.

B: How are you feeling?
A: Pushing on as always. How are you?
B: Great thanks. Well let's be positive, the sun is out!
A: Glad you are ok.

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SweetMae · 70-79, F

Sometimes, when someone is truly suffering, the last thing they need is someone saying "let's say shallow positive things to each other. That feels like they are dismissing your pain.

gmatthewb · 51-55, M

That sounds very normal unfortunately. I see on here people saying they can't understand why others tell them to cheer up when they have depression or to relax when they have anxiety. It's nice that others try to be positive, but there are ways to do it so you don't sound insensitive.

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gmatthewb · 51-55, M

@Jenni855 I kind of thought it might have been. I have a pretty good idea of what it is like to have friends like friend B. A lot of times you just want them to stop and take a moment to really care about how you answer and be nosy and want to really know, then offer to try to help you enjoy your day a bit better.

Jenni855 · 36-40, F

@gmatthewb To me it just sounded dismissive and 'Stop being negative'. That does hurt.

gmatthewb · 51-55, M

@Jenni855 Yeah, makes you feel hurt and alone.

correctingright · 41-45, M

I call that over analyzing.

xixgun · M

Pretty standard

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