When a friend confides in you when in pain, I think it’s not the time to brutally wield the stick of correction. I think it’s a time to listen and affirm the strength it took to be vulnerable.

A few days ago, I’d become vulnerable towards a friend of mine. She went hard on me. I kinda zoned out because the words hit.

By next morning, I got words from her.

“Thank you for opening up and sharing how that moment affected you. I truly appreciate it and I want to say again that I’m sorry for how my words came across. Looking back, I realized that what you needed in that moment wasn’t a solution, but solidarity. Someone to sit in the tension with you, not to judge the weight of your burden by your status or perceived capacity. I missed that. And for someone like you who has always offered me listening ears and safe space, I understand now why that response felt like a crack in the bond we are beginning to share. You deserved more empathy, not a reminder of your strength as though it made you immune to feeling stuck or overwhelmed. That wasn’t fair and I see that now more clearly. Sometimes, even the strongest among us need a moment to not have all the answers.

I value our friendship. And I’m learning that support isn’t just about being present when it’s convenient, but being present in a way that understands what the other person needs not what we think they should need. This whole thing is a learning curve for me and I’m all out to be a better person for not only you but perhaps people I may meet as I go through life.”

It was beautiful to read. I think the whole world needs to learn this.