My hurt, Your hurt

Isn't it interesting that our best intentions to encourage someone are often times a dismissal of someone's feelings? How many times have people said or complained or poured out their heart and we the listeners try and say "well, at least it isn't like this guy", or "can you imagine how much worse it could be if you were so and so.."..

Feelings and emotions don't need comparing. They need to be heard. When someone says they are having a hard time mothering, we should not say "well at least you aren't a single mother doing it by yourself". This does not undermine the sweet single mama having to make a go of it. Her job is hard too! But we should not put down one Mom's frustrations for another Mom's.

Listen to that Mama, friend, family member, spouse...validate their feelings, even if you don't understand why. Give them a hug, tell them you are there, treat them to a lunch out or a coffee, or babysit their kids for a break. Meet one another where we are instead of downsizing one person's feelings and experiences.

It is a beautiful thing to allow yourself to be a pair of listening and understanding ears.