Of course, it isn’t their ability to tell us the answer to our problems, or that they can explain why our thoughts and feelings are wrong, and how they can be improved.

Rather, I think it is simply the emotional support and connection that they provide to us by always being there, willing to listen. With a face that says, “I’m here for you. I feel with you. And I care for you. Unconditionally.”

And as you may have guessed, whenever our friends and loved ones are feeling sad or down, this is the one thing that they actually want and need from us, too.

No answers or solutions. Just connection.