[text]

[notvitiligo.livejournal.com]

[Oh look it's another of those anonymous texts on the vine.]

Question:
Assume a situation where you need to practice something.
You have a friend that has offered to help you.
This friend would be an excellent help.
But the practice would involve being more open with close to exposed than you are comfortable with.
What would you do?

Comments

[text]

[persical]

[have some slightly wobbly handwriting.]

I know it might be hard, but sometimes you can't grow as a person without stepping outside what you're comfortable with. I would say--be brave, and give it a try. If it's too much, you can tell your friend as much. But it's better to try and fail then never try and regret it.

[notvitiligo.livejournal.com]

I keep hearing things like that but it is usually from guidance counselors.

It is kind of inconvenient that growing as a person seems to involve a lot of really scary stuff.

[persical]

Oh, I agree with you about it being scary. I'll admit, I'm very scared myself right now. I'm far away from everything I know, my friends, but...

It's times like this when I have to remind myself; no matter what, if you have people you care for, you're not alone. Somewhere out there, they're thinking of you like you're thinking of them. So in that way, your hearts are connected. If you can imagine those people thinking of you giving you strength, encouraging you...does that help a little?

[notvitiligo.livejournal.com]

I do not really think there would be a big difference if I were with my family. This is a really embarrassing [pause] hypothetical situation.

[persical]

[she's just gonna...ignore that "hypothetical" there.]

Does your friend know you're embarrassed? Maybe you should talk to her about it first.

[notvitiligo.livejournal.com]

I have done that. I guess the problem is that I do not want to disappoint her and I do want her help but there are a lot of complications.

It would be easier if she were not my friend.

[persical]

Easier? But if she's your friend, she won't be disappointed. She'd want to make sure you're not upset.

[notvitiligo.livejournal.com]

I guess that makes sense.

[persical]

Just think about yourself in the other person's shoes. If your friend were embarrassed by something, would you really be disappointed in her? You'd want to help her, right?

[notvitiligo.livejournal.com]

[The response takes a while]

I guess. I am not really used to having friends honestly. Not really close ones.

[persical]

Well, consider this an opportunity, then. It helps to think about other people the same way you think about yourself. We aren't all that different, after all.

[notvitiligo.livejournal.com]

I am more afraid of it being an opportunity to kill the friendship with awkward.

[persical]

If she's a true friend, everything will work out. Don't worry.

[notvitiligo.livejournal.com]

I will try. Thank you very much.

[persical]

You're welcome!