An oldtimer pointed out to me very recently there's a slight difference between sympathy and compassion. Compassion (for me) seems to keep me at a safer distance than coddling anyone. We have house meetings every week in supported accom and I used to ask the question "What can I do?" and sort of say "Oh you poor thing". I now take a bit of a step back and ask what someone is going to do for themselves and how I can best support them achieve their goals. I know that isn't exactly the topic of this thread, but thought I'd share
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