The fact that so many people provide a personal anecdote naturally should tell you that it is not hijacking the conversation, it’s a normal way to show compassion and empathy via shared experiences. There are enough problems in this world not to create one unnecessarily.
Listening without a reaction is actually quite harsh because where you were naked telling your story, you now also feel alone and exposed.
Relating to someones story to give them perspective does not mean you are hijacking it. If you listen and try to relate, what you are doing is trying to understand. You are offering back your own experience to see whether you understood the feelings of the person reaching out to you or whether there is more there for you to understand. You are creating a bridge that allows you to reach them and for them to reach you so you can properly come together in a safe space.
The fact that so many people provide a personal anecdote naturally should tell you that it is not hijacking the conversation, it’s a normal way to show compassion and empathy via shared experiences. There are enough problems in this world not to create one unnecessarily.
Listening to someone does not equate empathy.
Listening without a reaction is actually quite harsh because where you were naked telling your story, you now also feel alone and exposed.
Relating to someones story to give them perspective does not mean you are hijacking it. If you listen and try to relate, what you are doing is trying to understand. You are offering back your own experience to see whether you understood the feelings of the person reaching out to you or whether there is more there for you to understand. You are creating a bridge that allows you to reach them and for them to reach you so you can properly come together in a safe space.