When it comes to the Coronavirus, if you feel worried – that’s okay. And if you are not worried at all, that’s okay, too. It’s possible that you don’t agree with either of those sentiments and you know what, that’s okay, too.
That’s the things when it comes to your feelings. They are YOUR feelings. No one can tell you how you should feel. I mean, we do this all the time – “you shouldn’t be mad” or “you should quit feeling sad” or even “you shouldn’t be frightened.”
But in theory we can’t tell someone how they feel. You might not agree or feel the same way, but you can’t tell them how to feel … And people can’t tell you what you should be feeling.
We’d be better off asking people how they feel and then possibly asking them (kindly) why they feel the way they do? And maybe just listen. And in turn, people might do the same for you.
In the process we might actually understand how someone feels, even if we disagree with them. Walls might be broken down, we may view people and their feelings more compassionately and less dismissively, and people might treat you the same. And as far as feelings go, that would probably feel pretty good.
**Eric has his Masters in Counseling and when not on B105.7, works as a private practice counselor.**
Photo Credit: Getty Images/fizkes
