Food for thought.

[martelvonc]

The past few weeks have seen some of my friends go through difficult times. They are dealing with these difficulties pretty well and I know it is because of the network of friends we all have. Maybe we aren't family close but we offer shoulders to cry on, emails to vent in, phones available at all hours. All with no judgment. We are just there for each other. We understand.

Sometimes a person needs to be able to empty themselves to someone who is not immediate family but has common social and emotional experiences.

I know I have used this support network myself and it has saved me from doing or saying quite as many dumb-ass things as I could be capable of. After I've vented out loud I can hear my foolishness for the foolishness that it is and then not act on it. I can also depend on the fact that my friends would smack me hard on the back of the head if I needed it.

It's what gets me through the day.

Comments

[elfsea-escapee.livejournal.com]

"Sometimes a person needs to be able to empty themselves to someone who is not immediate family but has common social and emotional experiences. "

I refer to this as "cathartic bitching." It's very helpful to put things in perspective and to get some venting out. And I agree that it often prevents one from acting foolishly. I discovered this years ago when dealing with my sister. She quite often infuriates me, but if I talk it over with a friend I calm down. Then I can deal with her in an adult manner rather than spitting vitriol at her.

[glynisgwynedd.livejournal.com]

And your support is one of the things that is helping me. Knowing that you are here if I need you is one of the best things for me right now. Thank you for that.

[martelvonc.livejournal.com]

You're very welcome. :-)

[spranglady.livejournal.com]

You are so right about all of it. I think that my LJ buddies have saved both my marriage and my relationships with my in-laws these past few months. I honestly don't know what might have happened if I hadn't had you guys to vent to through all of this! :)

[alina-s.livejournal.com]

Even when you don't reach out, it is SO wonderful to feel connected to folks all the time...