Strong and weak are not opposites. One reason vulnerability is difficult to show is because it feels like the price is respect. We only have so much concern to give people. Our emotional attention is not an unlimited resource. Pity is the squeaky wheel that gets the oil. So it is easier to bottle up the challenges that being strong in the face of adversity ensures. Dr Chopper prescribes a dose of Harden Up. When someone indicates they are struggling, our natural inclination is to feel like we need to offer advice or help. Sometimes all that person needs is to express that life is hard. No help is needed. No action. Just someone seeing. Hearing. Acknowledging their strength.
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