First Chats
I texted this one person today, and they were my second chat ever and even sent me a personal request. Honestly, I feel like I didn't help them with what they needed, and I feel bad because I had to end up leaving a bit early before I felt like I genuinely gave them the help they needed. After I told them I only had 10 minutes left they just told me they feel fine and it's okay if I leave and got pretty dry, I honestly feel terrible about it but my first chat went pretty okay, I feel like I helped the other person fine but still feel regret about the second person.
@prachikki hey chikki,the first chats as a listener can be really hard,it's okay to feel that way! (: you're a newbie afterall,we've all been there. And the start can be one of the hardest steps. About what happened,it's indeed disappointing to have to go earlier and feel like you didn't help at all...do you think that you atleast improved and gained a bit of experience,or that it was useless? I want to let you know I'm proud of you for proving how much you care about this and having great empathy,wish you a wonderful listening journey 🍀 (ps. just in case,for the future,I want to let you know that you cannot share more than 5 words about what your members tell you,so be careful)
This shows you care and are not just going through the motions, that's so important to members that just need to be listened too.
You can only do your best and I've felt like that too, that I didn't really make them feel better but my intentions are always good, so I keep that in mind.
Also do not burn yourself out, because the patience will wear thin, so it's actually a good thing, you said, I have to go soon, you kept them informed.
Also someone told me, I help more than I think, just by offering kindness. We may not solve the world's problems, but at least someone at least feels genuinely heard and respected.
That's a big deal :)
@prachikki
You're new to this; give yourself some grace! Sometimes we can't help everyone in the exact way that we want to, but as long as you're doing your best and trying to make a difference, that's the most important thing <3
@prachikki
Thanks for making this post, and this reminded me when I first started listening and volunteering on here. Thank you for being brave, this really made me reflect on myself as a listener ❤️
Btw, you're new to this!!! First chats are super hard at the beginning - give yourself some grace!☺️ Sometimes we can't help everyone in the exact way that we want to, that's part of the learning process and what's cool about this community !! You're just doing your best and trying to make a difference in someone. That takes so much patience, energy and value skills. I wish you the very best on your listening journey ☺️❤️❤️