I listened to the subtle words of an angry friend. Her words were not outwardly angry, but instead subtle, disgruntled, and disrespectful. Instead of making the time to listen to the anger with patience, I tried to quickly make better and counter her feelings. That was the wrong decision.
I should have simply let her rant. She needed to express her dissatisfaction, worries, contempt, and rage--she needed to get it out. She wasn't looking for answers.
As I think about the many diverse relationships I have during this tough time, I am realizing more and more that to listen is the key ingredient to maintaining these relationships during this tough time in the United States. People need to be heard, and then, if they ask for your support and response, you can lend it, but otherwise, listening is all that many need.
This is not a new realization--good relators know that to listen is a key ingredient to any positive relationship, but some of us have to work harder to coach ourselves in this direction.