This is the thing - when you're on the outside you're clueless as to how you can be on any help as there's no way you can understand what someone else is going through. 'Try walking in their shoes' is one of those saws that is kind of good for empathy but actually bollocks as you can't walk in anyone else's shoes any more than they can walk in yours. I mean, high and low bottom - leaving aside my British compulsion to make bottom jokes - is dead right. I have been very lucky in that I have had a fairly even life and not had any addiction or compulsion issues (beyond some mild OCC). So I have a high bottom when I hit. Therefore, how can I actually grasp a low bottom (steady, Benny Hill)? I have no real conception of what this is. And we don't talk about that, it's all like those AA meetings you mention on TV - we have to be dead serious and pretend we understand when really we're only trying. Is that enough? I actually don't know.
Thank you for sharing a different take, and for such honesty. I have often been a spectator of substance abuse, trying to fathom how to help without colluding, and always grateful to learn from others what worked for them.
This is the thing - when you're on the outside you're clueless as to how you can be on any help as there's no way you can understand what someone else is going through. 'Try walking in their shoes' is one of those saws that is kind of good for empathy but actually bollocks as you can't walk in anyone else's shoes any more than they can walk in yours. I mean, high and low bottom - leaving aside my British compulsion to make bottom jokes - is dead right. I have been very lucky in that I have had a fairly even life and not had any addiction or compulsion issues (beyond some mild OCC). So I have a high bottom when I hit. Therefore, how can I actually grasp a low bottom (steady, Benny Hill)? I have no real conception of what this is. And we don't talk about that, it's all like those AA meetings you mention on TV - we have to be dead serious and pretend we understand when really we're only trying. Is that enough? I actually don't know.
Thank you for sharing a different take, and for such honesty. I have often been a spectator of substance abuse, trying to fathom how to help without colluding, and always grateful to learn from others what worked for them.
Thanks Mya. I believe it’s harder on loved ones. Not knowing what to do. Thanks for the read 🙏
A high bottom. New concept -- thank you.
Absolutely Josh. Thanks for reading. Sometimes the drain we’re circling is in the upstairs bathroom 🤷🏻♂️
Huge yes to beginnings, Dee. And huge recognition for your courage, honesty, and practice!
thank you Dana! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. Your words mean a lot.