You're doing it wrong.

"What you are doing is simply incredible.  Most people would never do something like that."

I have heard a dozen variations of these two phrases from just as many people over the past two weeks.  I think it is supposed to be encouraging and supportive.

It's not.

What it is, however, is fucking depressing.  Stop and think for a moment: does telling someone that helping out an elderly family member, who is in need of care, sound good?  Of course it does.

Does mentioning that NOBODY ELSE WOULD DO THAT sound encouraging?  No.  It sounds like we live in a world where people wouldn't stop to help a dying man on the street.

Oh.  Wait.

Yes,  I am taking time out of my life to help someone.  It is great that I am able to do this.  It's HORRIFYING to me that nobody else seems to be willing. 

MY friends, those whom I consider close enough to be family, would do this in a heartbeat.  We are not always in communication, but when someone needs help, and it is possible to give it, everything else goes out the window.  Money is raised, borders are crossed, laws and rules are broken, all for the love of a friend.


Is this really such a strange concept?