I’m the go-to friend. The friend you rant to and you vent to. I am the friend who will always be on your side, but will play devil’s advocate when you need a wakeup call. The one who will validate your emotions, and hold you tight when they escape profusely. Because I am the “Therapist” Friend.
If I had a nickel for every time I have been told I would make a great therapist, well, needless to say I’d be rich. I listen, ask clarifying questions, verify thoughts and feelings, support or test conclusions, and give advice if asked for. All efforts and support that I know I would seek when I myself am in an emotional state.
Every loved one whom I’ve had vent to me has always followed up with “I’m always here for you, too. If you ever need to vent you can come to me.” It’s not that easy though. I am sure they absolutely would listen, some would validate my emotions, a few might hold me if I fell apart in front of them… But I have yet to completely find myself and my efforts in my own loved one.
I convince myself not to bother them anyways, since I know all too well that they have their own problems they’re dealing with. Why would I pile my own issues on top of theirs? I don’t want to be a burden to a loved one. For those who are like me, I get just as emotionally invested in their issues as they are. I make them my own. And I feel their anger, their anxiety, their sadness… I know what it feels like to have too much on your plate, mentally and emotionally. Therefore, I have become a professional at suffering in silence.
It’s no joke when you hear people say “Check up on your Therapist Friend, they’re the ones who actually need the most therapy.” Know why? They have felt EVERYTHING. Everything! Every mood, emotion. Have had every unfortunate thought cross their mind. And they will still feel and think all of it again, if it means they can help relieve a loved one’s pain and anguish in any way.
If you can be there without risking your own mental and emotional well-being, return your Therapist Friend’s effort and support they’ve given you. A little can go a long way.
About The Author
I’m a girl who has always loved writing. For as long as I remember, I have used writing as an outlet for my emotions. Poetry is usually my go-to; a fairly quick, easy, and intense way to feel emotions all at once. A poem isn’t always the best way to do that, however. Sometimes there’s just too much to feel and to say to fit into a poem. Hence this piece I’ve written for PuckerMob. I’m hoping to reach those people who consider themselves a Therapist Friend, and ease their pain by knowing that they aren’t alone. I hope this article brings peace!