“Do you want to hear the answer?” I asked Her. “No, not really,” She answered.
The questions we ask to show we care… If only. Too often just said, not really meant, just given because it’s polite, it’s right, it’s supposed to be, it’s a sign of good upbringing, it’s what people expect. And it’s expected to be answered the same way: politely, nicely, not really honestly.
“How are?” I’m in pain. “How do you feel?” Awful. “What can I do?” Hold me and listen and just let me speak. “Did I offend you?” Yes, you did. It hurts. “What do you want to say to me?” The truth. “Reach out for me, when you need me, ok?” I need you now.
Can you imagine this? No, rather not. It’s not nice. It’s not polite. It’s not by social standards. And no, nobody really cares.
How wonderful it would be, if people would be honest not only when answering, but also when asking.
Alenka H., 2021