What They Say -vs- What They Really Mean

AnnaLeigh
AnnaLeigh Member Posts: 187 Member
edited March 2014 in Emotional Support #1
They say - You are so strong ! (or) You will need to stay strong !
They mean - You will have to do this by yourself.
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They say - Call if you need anything.
They mean - I will come if it is a dire emergency and only if you can reach me in person and not my voice mail.
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They say - I don't have to worry about that type of cancer because it does not run in my family.
They mean - I can keep my head in the sand if I want to.
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They say - Why haven't you responded to my phone calls or e-mails?
They mean - I don't come around often enough to understand how all-consuming your illness and treatment are.
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They say - You can just take an antibiotic for that infection.
They mean - I have no clue how fine the line is between life and death.
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They say - The cancer patient sounded just fine when I talked to them.
They mean - I don't believe they are that sick. You are just being dramatic.
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They say - Well, everyone dies eventually.
They mean - I don't know how to deal with your pending mortality and I certainly will not face mine anytime soon.
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They say - I hope you are taking good care of yourself.
They mean - (Buzz words for) Don't cry on me when you get overwhelmed.
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They say - Keep us posted on the progress/results/info.
They mean - I can't be bothered to get personally involved and will read your updates with the same interest and reaction as I read the daily newspaper.
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They say - Stay positive and everything will come out okay.
They mean - I am positive that I don't have cancer because I am still naive enough to believe this.

Comments

  • halsons
    halsons Member Posts: 76
    #2
    You said it
    Wow this is so true. I have heard most of this more than once. Haley
  • AnnaLeigh
    AnnaLeigh Member Posts: 187 Member
    #3
    What they really mean
    They say - What can I do to help? Is there anything that you need?

    What they really mean - I am here for you with no conditions and restrictions attached. I am not afraid to face this disaster with you and I understand that you will need help and assistance to get through this so please let me do something. We will make it through this together.
  • GregStahl
    GregStahl Member Posts: 188
    #4
    Rings so familiar
    "They say - Keep us posted on the progress/results/info.
    They mean - I can't be bothered to get personally involved and will read your updates with the same interest and reaction as I read the daily newspaper."

    This is brother, and most of my wifes family. I can guarantee I will have ZERO help once Ruby has surgery and treatments. They may take my 7 yr old for a night, but nothing else.
  • ruthelizabeth
    ruthelizabeth Member Posts: 138
    #5
    GregStahl said:

    Rings so familiar
    "They say - Keep us posted on the progress/results/info.
    They mean - I can't be bothered to get personally involved and will read your updates with the same interest and reaction as I read the daily newspaper."

    This is brother, and most of my wifes family. I can guarantee I will have ZERO help once Ruby has surgery and treatments. They may take my 7 yr old for a night, but nothing else.

    And then there's
    They say -- Stay strong. Think positive.

    They mean (some of them) -- It's your job to take care of him. Don't bother us with problems.

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