These past few weeks, I’ve been counseling a friend about her on-again off-again relationship. I often have to temper what I really want to tell her with what I think might be more helpful. Usually, the first version of the email reads something like, “Yikes, head for the nearest exit!” Then I delete, and send this, “What is the outcome you’re looking for? Given, what you know, is it realistic?”

Sometimes, it seems clear to me what she should do given the circumstances but then I think, only the two people know the ins and outs of what’s going on so what do I know?? Basically, nix therapist from my list of “what I want to be when I grow up” because I haven’t the foggiest. By the way, they reunited and are happy again so I’m glad I didn’t tell her to give up!