“But what if there’s really nothing to worry about?” you ask. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that the other person is worrying and wants someone to see and appreciate that. Everyone—regardless of age, gender, or IQ—will find themselves in a similar situation from time to time, when they’re stressed or worried about something they “shouldn’t” be. When someone is in that state, a simple “don’t worry” doesn’t help. If you instead show them that you see and appreciate what they’re feeling, they’ll either find a solution of their own, or become much more willing to listen to yours.
