Most of us are human (or, I caught a doctor picking his nose today.)

I am responsible for the provocation of tears and the complete loss of wavering composure of no less than three people in the last two days.

No one wants to be the tear fairy but sometimes, people gots to cry. You can tell who they are by apparent signs of fatigue such as red rimmed eyes, slouched shoulders, and frequent sighing. They are frequently alone and seem to wear their loneliness and sadness like an uncomfortable hat that got stuck on their head. Everything about them screams, "I need a hug! Badly!"

What better place to let off some steam than in the hands of a non-judgemental, confidential, empathetic sympathizer? (It helps if this person has warm hands and a little bit of time.)

Steps:

1. Approach person needing sympathy (PNS).
2. Smile warmly.
3. Engage them in conversation to assess degree of sympathy needed.

A) Mild: Sighing, red-rimmed eyes, sad smile, occasional waver in voice and glassy eyes when
addressing issue of sadness.
Key phrase: "It's been hard since..."

B) Moderate: Glassy eyes, faraway stare, clutching of purse(women)/wringing of hands(men),
frequent throat clearing, generalized fidgeting.
Key phrase: "It doesn't make any sense."

C) Severe: Teary eyes, clutching of old tattered tissues, reddened nose, leaning for support,
generalized appearance of human pressure cooker.
Key phrase "I don't know what I'm going to do."

4. Establish eye contact.
5. Make physical contact.
6. Once needs are assessed, invite them to talk further. Do not dodge issue or change subject. Ask questions directly.
7. Don’t back down until they clearly state what they need, and then provide it…whether that is a quiet place to be alone, a hug, or someone to just listen.


On a different note, I’m seriously considering getting a tattoo.
A. Between breasts, 2.5cm long "FRONT", between shoulder blades, 2.5cm long "BACK"
OR
B. It would be the size of a twonie, in the middle of my right ass cheek and would say, “Yo! This is my butt!”