Countless sad songs have been dedicated to lonely people.
Helen Reddy's hit song in the seventies lamented that “sometimes it feels like you and me against the world.” Maybe you've felt that way at some point in your life.
People labeled as "difficult" may actually be struggling to cope with their surroundings...and because of that struggle, are often avoided by other people and left alone.
Then, their need for acceptance often forces them to seek recognition by others. But in that process, they can be seen as "needy" and "difficult." The result? they actually end up pushing people further away from them.
Is there someone you know that is commonly viewed as "difficult"? Could it be they are struggling and feel alone?
What if - after a time of personal reflection - you felt led to lovingly reach out to that person?
Before you start, do some additional introspection to measure where you are on the "difficult" meter! It is not easy to evaluate one's own attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. This checklist may help you in that process:
- Do you like meeting and being with people?
- Can you accept them as they are?
- Do you easily forgive offenses?
- Are you easily hurt by what people do or say?
- How do you respond to the pressures of life or work?
- Are you a loving person that expresses love in tangible actions?
If you scored relatively well on your degree of wellness, great. Now, here are some ways you can make a difference in the life of a person others have written off as "difficult."
- Listen sincerely.
- Be shock-proof.
- Express empathy
- Become a faithful friend.
- Correct kindly, when appropriate.
- Teach love through the love you demonstrate toward him/her.
Do you remember that phrase from Helen Reddy's song at the beginning of this article?
"Sometimes it seems like you and me against the world,"
The good news is the song doesn't end there. Here is the very next line:
"When all the others turn their backs and walked away,
You can count on me to stay."
Sources
You and Me Against the World
Image by Andrew Poynton from Pixabay