Most of us are naturally inclined to help people; we want to try to reduce others’ suffering. Yet some of us reach too quickly for our version of a prescription pad, doling out unsolicited advice. Usually, our first instinct upon hearing of someone’s difficulties is to try to fix them. While our intentions may be genuine, we can be blissfully insensitive to the way we impact others. We’ve all been there. You meet a friend at Starbucks and mention in passing that you didn’t sleep well the night before. Your helpful, well-meaning friend launches into a discourse on the health risks of drinking
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