Are you brave enough to go up to someone who seems upset and to ask them if they’re OK?
Or would you walk away, and tell yourself
– they’re probably ok
– they won’t want you butting in
– you might make things worse, or
– it’s not your business?
Since I began my life as a #Samaritans listening volunteer more than 12 years ago, I’ve found it easier and easier to ask that question, even to a stranger.
I’ve struck conversations in coffee shops, waiting for the loo, in train stations, in restaurants, hospitals, anywhere at all… And strangely, they can sometimes start sharing intimate details of the burden they are carrying.
Perhaps it’s because very few people stop to ask.
The English are very stiff-upper lip-py.
Don’t like confrontations.
Don’t like embarrassment of any public kind.
So they generally don’t ask.
What’s the worst that can happen?
They tell you to bugger off and mind your own business.
No harm done.
But sometimes, the kindness pays off, and you’re holding out your hand to someone who may desperately need help but too proud to ask.
Help them.
You put *your* ego away, and ask.
No one should be suffering alone. 🌹
#OnThePeiroll
#ActiveListening
#MentalHealth
