I generally try to keep conversations positive. Occasionally people tell me things like they recently got laid off, or their loved ones are in the hospital, etc. And I just mutter an “oh. I’m sorry to hear that” and wait awkwardly for them to change the topic.
I’m not sure how to respond to these types of things. They’re subjects that evoke negative feelings so I’m afraid that asking follow up questions digs the wound deeper. What’s the appropriate reaction?
1 comment
It depends on the person you are talking with. Some people like to be able to talk about their problems with loved ones, and some don’t. If I’m telling you about a current problem or bad day or anything else negative about my life right now it’s because I want you to know and maybe let me vent a little bit about it, offer empathy and understanding.
If you just ignore it and wait for the topic to change you might be perceived as a bad friend or just an as*****.
Let the person with the bad news be the one to say “I don’t want to talk about it please”.