LibraryScenariosWhy others' suffering triggers our own emotional retreat
Scenario

Why others' suffering triggers our own emotional retreat

My best friend from childhood reached out after years of silence when she was going through a divorce, and I kept the conversation surface-level because her pain made me uncomfortable.

Mira
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

The contagious nature of emotional pain can cause us to protect ourselves at the expense of providing support when it's most needed.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Grief and regret — what we wish we'd said?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.