How to respond instead

The next time you are tempted to compare feelings to someone else's, take a step back. Will it be helpful? Or are you using it as a way to dismiss your emotions? Instead of comparing:

• Allow yourself to sit with your emotions without judgment.
• Give yourself permission to feel what you are feeling and remind yourself that your emotions are valid.
• Lean on others but don't feel the need to minimize your struggles or compare your problems to theirs.
• Avoid judging other people’s emotions. Instead, focus on valuing the fact that they are willing to share what they are feeling with you.
• Listen to what people are saying. Acknowledge what they are feeling. Simply saying that you can see how hard it must be and that you are there to listen can be a crucial way of offering validation and support.