A letter to Listeners

Dear Listeners,

I connected with one of you today. I think I freaked you out trying to vent and talk about what was going on in my life. I realized you were trying desperately what to say because I don't think you were prepared for me...

So, you disconnected the chat... No warning... No apology.... Just gone.... I talked for a few moments to silence before I realized you weren't even there.

Please, Listeners, if you encounter someone that you really don't know what to say or how to help, please tell us. I know you are volunteers and training doesn't cover everything. Sometimes, it's just too much or too different and new of an experience.

I role played a little after the conversation. What would I have told me if I was listening to someone so very different from me, experiencing something I have never gone through and needing validation?

"I cannot say I understand how you feel, because I've never been there. It seems really (emotion) to be going through that. How can we work together on this to help you be okay, even if just for now?" Or even, "I really don't think I'm the right Listener for this. I'm sorry."

Simple... Honest... Compassionate...

Thank you for reading this.

Raynebow