Most of the time, we did not think before speaking. We speak because we want to share.
A couple of days ago, I learned this lesson. I got a call from my friend from the USA. We worked together in a software company, and he became my buddy. Couple of days back. He was facing a problem with sciatica, and the doctor wanted to remove the disk from his backbone. I was sitting in the room alone, seeking someone to talk to.
I got a call from him; he just told me that I have a doctor’s appointment. Instead of speaking further, I just started sharing my experience with illness. That happens; this happens; nobody cares; doctors are making money. If I just wait a few days, I can save money on all those things. When I discuss all my experiences, I feel light, but I find he becomes more depressed. He was in pain; he wanted to share. Instead of listening to him, I made him more worried. He wants to share that he has had a small operation to remove a disk from his backbone. He started weeping about what would happen tomorrow. I shared my friend’s problem with him instead of listening to him.
It was a very embarrassing situation for me. I feel that I need to change. I would not share my experience and knowledge about the problem. I just have to listen. What I learned is that whenever someone tells you that I have a doctor’s appointment, You have to just reply, “You will be well soon”. And try to listen to him and give him hope that things will be better. Never ever share your or others people stories with him.