My friend asked if I wanted company or silence

Dear Delyara, That question helped me immediately. Not because I had a perfect answer ready, but because it made me feel considered in the right way. Most people offer what they would want. She asked what would actually help me. That feels simple and it isn’t. I said silence tonight, maybe company tomorrow. She said okay. No guilt. No push. No emotional performance attached to the care. I think that kind of friendship is rare enough to name as a victory all by itself.