I try to be there for others with their fears, yes. So often, others are there to hear my fears. And having someone simply listen can make all the difference in the world. And a listening ear can also help one find a healthy perspective on one's fears. and listening is the first step in sharing, I'd think.
How well do I share? I don't know. I know I could always do better. But my friends seem to appreciate whatever I do because we remain friends.
One part of your answer particularly interested me - t's an interesting 'take' on the question that I didn't take - - by sharing a fear with someone, or that person sharing fears with me, I didn't think of sharing along the lines of then taking on the fears that someone else has, or the other person then taking on my fears. I guess I only took the question as far as the concept of talking with someone about fears can sometimes be helpful. :)
Within my circle of family, friends and acquaintances, I don't consider most of them fearful people. Of those who are, I believe most of their fears are unfounded and possibly a need for attention, especially when they post daily on Facebook.
I don't mean to sound insensitive, but sharing means give and take...I rarely share my fears and try to ignore them. Other seem to sense that and are reluctant to share theirs. I guess that is how we were raised as children; to shut things off and out. Unfortunately, we raised our children like that as we did not know any different.
I think, sometimes, for me, ignoring my fears can be a healthy thing. Acknowledge they're there but then ignoring --
what I mean -- I sometimes can go in illogical or irrational directions with my thinking, creating negative scenarios based on nothing. And when I recognize myself doing that, I know I have the choice to just "Stop it" and ignore or dismiss the fears/thoughts.
I started to answer this last night. I thought I might have a better understanding of what you were trying to ask this morning. I'm still not sure. What I can say and grasp from the question is this. When it comes to the internet, I never reveal a fear someone has told me. I try to help them any way I can. I never share another' fear. When it comes to personal interaction, I seem to absorb their fear and in doing so, connect with them in a way to heal their anxiety or sorrow. Sometimes I have experienced a similar loss or fear and can share what I did to help me through that time. If the fear is beyond my understanding, I share with that individual person another option they may want to investigate. I feel everything. I only share my personal feelings and ways to help. I believe in trust and healing. People who have confided in me their fears I do NOT share with others unless told to do so.
This post was edited by Merlin at May 15, 2020 9:06 PM MDT
inky 