Anita,

Yes, you are right. I can’t bear to see her hurt. I am the same with my son and even my husband. I FEEL their moods. When my son has a bad day, I too feel bummed out. When my husband’s father says something nasty to him (as old people sometimes do to their children) I ache for him. When my daughter complained about how insecure the acne on her face made her feel, I recalled my own insecurities with that as a teenager. Sometimes my inability to step back from my emotional connection is almost paralyzing. I’m happiest when everyone else around me is happy. So, you are exactly correct in your assessment: I thought I was listening, but I didn’t really HEAR her.

Thank you.