Dina,

It is great that you are trying to help your sister. I’m sure that after seeing her struggle you just want her to feel happy.

I think your idea about the cafe is wonderful. Your sister seemed to like it as well. However, it is not something that can be decided and acted upon so quickly. There are many things she would have to do and as you said, her anxiety plays a role in it all. She would have to talk to cafe owners, make sure that everything is done legally, etc. That’s a lot of people to talk to.

Also, perhaps she wants to talk to your mother because she might need help doing some of the things. For example, who would help her on days in which she is not feeling well? There are many questions that might have been going through her head and sometimes you just need someone else to bounce ideas off of.

In regards to your question, be supportive of her by acknowledging her ideas, thoughts, and concerns. Sometimes there is nothing we can do to help, but simply listening is of great help. Now, when she does need help, then provide it for her if you can. Be there to encourage her.

As someone with social anxiety and general anxiety, it is hard for me to do things in a different way. I do them the same way I always have because they bring me results. Change scares me. So really, let her come up with her own ideas.

I know that sometimes we can’t help but feel rejected when our ideas our not taken seriously, but perhaps it is because they see issues with the idea that we overlooked.