Asking
Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

How do you handle awkward moments where something is going well for you and badly for someone else so you can’t commiserate like they’re hoping?

For the first time in my life aside from all this crazy health stuff everything is going great. However, this is not the case for many of my friends.
Empathetic and offering emotional support is easy, but they don’t just want empathy/support. They want to hear that everyone’s life also sucks, which normalized their predicaments and choices.

Ex: they hate their job, but you love your job. They have a terrible boyfriend/girlfriend, but you’re in a happy relationship. etc

When put in this position I normally downplay the good in my life or just don’t mention it because I don’t want make them feel worse.

I’m just wondering if there’s a better way?
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
I remember what it was like to not, though. I meet them there and try to give them hope it gets better based on where I’m at now.
This comment is hidden. Show Comment
@WhateverWorks I usually just do a lot of listening. And make sure they know I care. 🖤
WhateverWorks · 36-40
it’s tough when you’re just trying to be supportive and empathetic, but they keep putting you on the spot. Ex: “ well, you know how it is. You’re in a relationship”, “ you know how it is, you’re in your late 30s” etc @JustGoneNow
@WhateverWorks ugh. ya, that sucks. I just try to answer where I can. Like, I definitely know how it can be. 🖤
@WhateverWorks and, ya… I’ve been there before.
This comment is hidden. Show Comment
@WhateverWorks I totally get it. It’s uncomfortable for me to live in the past too, when I’m actually happy and have fought so hard to get here. But I try to be a sensitive friend too, because it’s not always just about me, ya know?
@WhateverWorks Anyways. Love ya, girl. Good luck. 🖤
WhateverWorks · 36-40
Yeah, I don’t actually ever talk in detail about how things are going because I know they are having a hard time and I don’t wanna make them feel bad about their own situations. It’s that whole urging me to commiserate thing that gets weird, but you’ve given me some really good food for thought. Thank you for your insight @JustGoneNow
@WhateverWorks you’re welcome. *big hugs* 🖤🤗