It's.... TheNewClassic: Just part of being a good person. When someone is in need, do what you can to help them. At least...that's how I was raised. cuddles: Helping someone in need is a true blessing, no matter what that need is, a hug, an ear to listen, a helping hand, comfort and support. It costs nothing, and in return....wow, the comfort of knowing that the person who needs it most is in a better frame of mind, a little less burdened, more loved and happier within themselves.....thats what its all about ((((squeeeeeziest cuddles)))) to ALL xanderiley: I'm not sure many people are raised to be like that, especially when no one's watching. A science fiction author postulated that joy and sorrow could not be created nor destroyed, but one can be turned into the other. "Shared happiness increased, shared pain diminished, thus do we refute entropy." Or at least thumb our noses at the bastards. They became some of the words I've lived by. That we can help people find their strength, and even their humor to deal with life and what happens to us in it. cuddles: Very well put Xander honey, and I agree to a certian extent that in some cases you cant be taught to but can be guided and inspired to do so. Some are just naturally born with a big heart and compassion but guidance is very much needed for some, to better understand that quality and to keep balance, within themselves in being able to do so Loup_: Indeed, because there is also a difference in helping someone and giving them a handout or having them use you as a crutch. The whole "catch a fish for a man and he'll eat for a day/teach him to fish he'll eat for a lifetime" analogy. Loup_: One has to be able to help themselves also though in order to properly be able to help others. cuddles: I think ITS fair to say that many people who have advice to give often fail to adhere to thier own it is somewhat easier to break down and determine someone elses issues than it is to decipher ones own, true? Loup_: It always is...so much harder to follow our own advice that we'd give to others in situations we find ourselves in. But if it is the right path, as much as we may hate it, we must choose it. Otherwise we're hypocrites. lol xanderiley: I think the best thing people can give as peer counselors is a more objective, less tunnel-visioned perspective, If necessary to do what they reasonably can to keep the person together long enough to get medical intervention. Even if it means calling the authorities if they believe the person is a danger to themselves or others. Another important thing is emotional detachment. You won't help them if you get sucked into a whirlpool yourself. In the bitter end, they have to want help, and believe in it. cuddles: Very much so sweetheart, it is with a more clearer understanding and perception to look at every situation from every possible angle, to find a balance where appropriate and/or neccessary. The emotional detatchment can be somewhat harder. If people genuinely care, then its there for a reason, not part time and yes this is where the greater lesson is to be learned, maybe there would no need for detatchment, rather a gradual release without the need to detatch stereotypeofme: i think we are the rare ones now, the population is growing bigger and bigger we have more means of communication, but we are colder, selfish and feel more lonely everyday... i think that is the reason why many are here, everybody wants to be loved, even if it is in an artificial way... help someone in need should not be something to make us proud, that is part of the definition of being human, what is the reason then that we cry, love, think, hug, kiss, etc? that is my humble opinion stereotypeofme: yes, you me the guy next me... all of us need help sometime, the difference is that i have you and you have me |