askandanswer | (no subject)

Your reaction is equally as rare, honestly. Most people tell me to get out of the 60's as if caring for life is an era and not common sense.

[ which is funny when his age comes in to account but anyway ] And yourself, what would you do?

I'm not sure. I can't tell if they want to. Or if they'll think it's too much effort.

Like I was saying... people have forgotten how to be good to each other.

[ She's quiet a few long moments, thoughtful. Figuring out how much to share of herself, here. ]

I'd write a book. I'd try to reconcile my family--we're not really on bad terms or fighting but we haven't been close in a long time.

And there are things I'd change about myself.

[ He is both knowing when it comes to the process of trust and patient in allowing it to develop naturally. He wont even chase that lead about changing herself. ]

Without sounding condescending, I am curious why you feel these are things you would fail at otherwise.

[ She'd appreciate that if it were given voice. She'll just have to learn to appreciate it by experiencing it--from this end. She's used to being at the other end, it's how she operates when working with people to get their stories, or in developing friendships or relationships. Give people the time and space to come to you on their own terms, to share what they're ready to share, and keep what they share safe. That's how trust grows between people.

She favors him with a slightly rueful smile. ]

Maybe I don't give myself enough credit. Or maybe I'm afraid.

Maybe they would want to too. Maybe they feel the same way that you do but I know it's difficult to ask.

Scary.

I'd wager its the latter. [ but that's just a wager ]

Huh, so I could.

[this is probably a horrible idea in every which way, but money????]

Edited 2014-10-12 22:59 (UTC)

I know. I guess I'll never know if I don't ask, or try.

But I'm not sure how I'd handle it if I tried and they were like, "No, we're good, thanks."

[ He'd win that wager, not that she can say so in so many words. ]

So what do you do when you're afraid to do something?

I think you could totally pull it off.

[ Horrible but really--preying on the already rich who just want to go get more rich without working for it? Get rich off some pirate legend? It's not that horrible, taking a little of their money. ]

You do it, and you experience the fear and you maybe cry a little or break something. [ he lets out a small laugh ] and it's a bit terrible but you live through it and hopefully learn something.

...So I need to throw more things at people's heads, is what I'm taking away from this.

[ No, it's not, she's clearly teasing; the fleeting grin that curves her mouth gives her away. But then she leans on the podium, bracing herself with her forearms, folded over themselves along its edge. ]

You're saying the only way around the fear isn't around, but to go through it.

I understand. Easier to avoid than... find out the truth is something that rejects you. Rejects something that means so much to you.

Even if you're almost certain they'd want it too, it's that small percentage that is uncertain that makes it easier to... not ask. It'd take a lot of courage. I've never particularly thought of myself as very brave.

Precisely. [ On both accounts. ] It takes an incredible strength, to be honest. So few people take risks and fewer yet support those who dare to.

[ She sighs, nodding. ]

I guess... right now I only worry they don't feel the same way I do, that they won't want to reconcile.

It's a terrifying thought that I could ask and find out that's how they feel for sure. To know I'm being rejected.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? It's just... easier said than done sometimes.

You're right that it's rare to feel supported when you take a risk. I'm not sure why people don't--maybe they're afraid too. That now they should look at their own fears, that they can't just sit back and think, you know, no one ever takes risks like that, I should stay safe.

Would you support someone who dared? I would.

I think we return back to the topic of people caring about one another. Fair-weather friends and all that. A shame, but alas.

Of course. I feel a great amount of admiration for those prepared to leap.

That's true. I think there's far too little of that in the world anymore.

[ She smiles, studying him. ]

Careful, I may come call on you for some of that support next time I leap.

It's easier to only worry than to find out the truth and have that... shatter you.

[It's said in quiet understanding. To find out that you aren't wanted by the people that you love isn't-- It's terrifying even if he has hope for her.]

It's okay to be scared. I think I've learned that. Wish I could give you advice on how to face that fear, but-- I hope when you do find that courage, and I'm certain you will-- I hope they know how good it'd be for all of you to be family again.

Thank you. That means a lot to me. I hope I find that strength too.

You're very welcome. [Someone believed in him in the past when he didn't and couldn't believe in himself, and it made all the difference.]

Lucky for you, I'm not as frail as I look. [ He hasn't smiled this much in a long time. It's subtle, but it still happens. ]

[ Her smile only widens at that. ] I knew there was a reason I liked you so much.

Did you ever have to find that kind of strength?