Listen to comprehend not just to respond

[Cali]

I didn't really take being diagnosed bad. I knew something was wrong, I just didn't know what... I've noticed outside of the forum it's easy to talk to someone about H who has had an STD before PERIOD. They aren't easily disgusted or terrified. They understand. I said if I ever gain the guts to tell someone besides my best friend they would have to be someone that listens to comprehend and not one that listens to respond. Those are the hardest people to get to understand what you're saying, feeling, what you mean. Having H gets better with time. After all the research, discussions, after coming to LET IT ALL OUT.. You'll feel a lot better. I have!

[WCSDancer2010]

I try to surround myself with people who are understanding, compassionate, and who "listen to understand". Why have anyone who is not like that around you anyway?

[Cali]

Well you can't really choose the people you work with or determine their attitudes, you also can't choose you're family. So even if you surround yourself with understanding and compassionate people, some of the most important people to us aren't always as understanding and compassionate as others.

[WCSDancer2010]

True that ... but you can still do whatever possible to limit your exposure to them