Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Don't Be Afraid to Tell a Friend

Me: You can say no to this, but I have an eating disorder, and I was hoping you'd come with me to a therapy group today.
Him: Sure!
Me: Good, I knew you'd say yes. 

That was it. He was happy to go, and the conversation turned to other things.
My worry with him was that he wouldn't really care. That he was say "Oh," and that would be the end of things. But I didn't feel that way because we went right to a therapy session where Charlie took everything in and we discussed it a little bit afterwards. He didn't think less of me, he understood what a huge step it was for me to tell him, and he listened. 

The best thing about it was how liberating it felt to tell someone. I felt free. And it dispelled some of my fears about telling other friends. 
The therapist made a good point during group: that if you tell a friend and he/she judges you for it, then that person really isn't that great a friend. 
I don't know if I agree with that, but it's something to remind yourself if you ever need to work up the courage to tell someone. 

4 comments:

  1. I'm happy this worked out for you. He sounds like a good friend :) I have a question, is it like a group therapy type thing? I read somewhere that there are group things available in many cities, but I've never thought to look it up. I think it might be a better alternative to expensive personal therapy.

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  2. I'm so so glad that he didn't mind and went with you! I know it's such a huge step for you to admit that to someone! Really proud of you girl!

    Also, I think it's interesting you said you don't agree with that. How come? Usually people just agree with that statement. I mean, friends are supposed to be unbiased and love you regardless, right? Even if they don't agree with your choices.

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  3. I'm so happy it went well! I know it must've taken a lot of courage.
    I think I agree with what the therapist said. If a friend judges you for having a mental health problem of any sort, I don't think they're that good a friend at all.
    xx

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  4. Yay, I'm so glad that you told him
    Virtual high five! x

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Thanks for commenting! I appreciate it :)