Sympathy, empathy, shite. Why do people talk about their medical and personal problems in public places, and furthermore, what the fuck am I supposed to say? I’m supposed to say something–that much I know–but I’m rubbish at sympathy because I really don’t care, and although I’m slightly better at empathy, I still never know what I’m supposed to say. “You’re in my prayers”? No, because that would be a lie; five minutes after I hear it, I’ve completely forgotten about it, and besides, I’m hardly the religious type. “I’m so sorry”? Technically not a lie, but not the whole truth, either, because that would be, “I’m sorry you told me this because I have no idea why you told me or what you want from me”. Is this a “girl thang”….something I was supposed to have learned from my mother? I sure as hell didn’t learn it from Dad; he’ll get right up and leave the room in situations like that. Presumably because he DOESN’T FUCKING KNOW WHAT TO SAY. With that, I can empathise.