Listening Ears and Laughter Therapy

Share five things you’re good at.

“Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people again.”

Have you ever found yourself in the position of a part-time therapist, unpaid cheerleader, and full-time venting partner? Welcome to my world, where my phone is a hotline for feelings, and my friendships are fortified by a rock-solid loyalty clause. My friends often joke that my ears should come with a “Now Listening” neon sign because, no matter the hour, I’m always ready to lend them an ear—and occasionally, some snacks.

The Magic of Motivating

Motivating people is an art, and I like to think of myself as Picasso with pep talks. It’s not about giving generic advice like, “Don’t worry; it’ll all work out.” (Let’s be honest, that’s just a fancy way of saying, “I have no idea what to say.”) It’s about helping people rediscover their own strengths, all while sneaking in a little humor.

For example, one of my friends called me in tears after a fight with her mother-in-law. I listened patiently as she vented about her. When she finished, I said, “You know, if your mother-in-law had a spirit animal, it’d be a porcupine: prickly on the outside, but maybe—just maybe—soft and cuddly underneath. Let’s focus on your spikes; how can you protect yourself without losing your own softness?” She laughed, and just like that, the tension melted.

The Listener’s Toolbox

Being a good listener isn’t just about nodding along. It’s about being present, not offering premature solutions, and resisting the urge to say, “Oh, that’s nothing; you should hear what happened to me!” (Guilty as charged, but I’m working on it.) Listening is my superpower, but like any hero, I have my kryptonite: unsolicited cooking advice. My friends know to steer clear of that topic unless they’re ready for my award-winning recipe for boiled water.

Adaptability: My Secret Weapon

Life throws curveballs, and I’ve learned to either catch them or turn them into juggling pins. Adaptability isn’t just about going with the flow; it’s about learning to enjoy the swim, even if the current occasionally drags you under.

Caring: The Glue of Connection

At the heart of it all is caring. Whether it’s listening to a friend’s midnight rants or being the one who remembers their favorite flavor of ice cream, caring is what makes relationships thrive. But caring isn’t just about others; it’s also about yourself. (I’m still learning this part. Self-care, after all, is like trying to fold a fitted sheet—confusing, frustrating, but oh-so-necessary.)

Reliable Anchor in the Storm

I am the kind of friend you can rely on, the one who shows up not just for the big moments but for all the small, unscripted ones in between. Whether it’s helping you celebrate your wins, supporting you through your losses, or just sitting in silence when words are hard to find, I’m there. My loyalty is as steadfast as a lighthouse in a storm, and my belief in you never wavers. When life gets tough, you can count on me to be your unwavering safety net, ready to catch you and remind you that you’re never alone.

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind. And if kindness doesn’t work, try humor—it’s cheaper than therapy and twice as effective.”

So here’s to being motivators, listeners, adapters, and carers—the unsung heroes of the friendship world. Just don’t forget to leave some kindness for yourself while you’re busy saving the day for others!

Supportive
Heartfelt
Adaptive
Reliable
Optimistic
Nurturing