I don’t understand how to comfort people

Maybe it's your brain reacting to a stressful situation, maybe you're trying not to make it worse or say the wrong thing, when someone's particularly raw and sensitive?

Sometimes you can just help by listening :)

@pinkKitten4910 I'll tell you from experience. It's not always easy to know what to do. You'll have to try some things.

Listening is how you should at least start, but sometimes all someone needs from you is to listen. Perhaps even gently ask related questions in a manner that does not feel nosy.

I know someone who frequently makes the mistake of trying to "fix" the problem before anyone has had the chance to even finish explaining what it is. It may be born of a desire to feel helpful, but often does not come across as helpful.

I think it is generally helpful to be polite and as understanding as possible. Let's think about it... If you were upset about something, what would you hope to gain from expressing yourself? Would you rather someone hear you out first? Even if you normally keep your problems to yourself, it can still help to try to put yourself in their shoes.

I hope I did not overwhelm you with all my rambling. It can be hard to know how to be brief sometimes without leaving out important details.

@pinkKitten4910

Sameee for me.