Sympathy... Empathy?

I don't think I am the best person to go to in a stressful situation. When called upon, I often question the judgment of those that have requested. I am not the one that gives a hug at the right time. I am not the one that says all of the words to make the pain go away. I often find myself thinking, "What can I do?" That is not saying that I am not helpful in a stressful situation. I am just not the absolute best person that will do everything that is dreamed of.

However, I do know what NOT to do in a stressful situation. My experiences in life have told me that this is not something that I learned form the people responsible for giving me life. I have always thought that some things come as instinct, but I have learned that sympathy and empathy may not come standard on God's human models.

There are many things that can happen when someone is in a stressful situation. These things can be psychological, physical and physiological. All in all, the wills are tested and breakdowns may be eminent. With this knowledge, I would think that it is an elementary fact that you do not want to meet a stressful situation with more stress. I now know that this assumption is sadly off base.

With that said... If you are dealing with someone that is stressed, the fact that you are right or wrong does not matter. Ultimately, the person just wants the situation resolved and will not praise you for your victory. They could care less. Furthermore, the person does NOT want to relive how you came upon your 'correct' conclusion. Especially. with a play-by-play in the heat of the moment. Arguments do not make the person feel better, nor does it take away from their already troubled mood.

"What's comin' will come, an' we'll meet it when it does."- Hagrid (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)