Sharing IS Caring...

When I respond to someone’s shared story with one of my own, it’s my way of saying, “I hear you, I understand you, and you’re not alone.” This is how I process, how I empathize. But too often, that’s not how it’s received. I’ve been told, “You always make everything about you,” more times than I’d like to admit; even just typing those words gives me the shivers. I get why this misunderstanding happens on a surface level—but shallow is the last thing that I am.

When I share my story, I’m not trying to take the spotlight or shift the conversation to myself. I’m trying to build a bridge, to show that I relate and that I’m in the trenches with you. But I’ve learned that not everyone sees it that way. For some, sharing a personal story might feel like a derailment, a shift in focus. But for me, it’s the deepest form of empathy I can offer. Connecting through shared experiences is how I find common ground. When we trade stories and build on each other’s thoughts, by the end, there’s a sense of mutual understanding that’s incredibly grounding. It’s affirming; it’s how I know we’re on the same wavelength.

After a lifetime of misunderstandings, I’m realizing that sometimes, just acknowledging the other person’s feelings before diving into my own story can make all the difference. It’s about finding that delicate balance between expressing my thoughts and making sure the other person feels heard and supported.

At the end of the day, different communication styles reflect something deeply human: a desire for connection, for understanding, for empathy. By recognizing and valuing these differences, maybe we can start to bridge the gaps that sometimes leave us feeling disconnected.

This is something I’m still figuring out, and maybe you are too. But if any of this resonates, if it feels familiar, then maybe we’re not so different after all. Let’s keep this conversation going.