Was there an instance where you had an empathetic breakthrough; where you were able to overcome

[Anon-C]

your resistance and empathize with those whom you did or do not like, or are quite different from you?

[Walleye]

1. Yes. As a newspaper photographer I met many different people they all have stories to tell.

I guess the fact that I usually try to see everybody’s side to situation, even when I know they’re in the wrong, Has made me much less judge mental. I had to learn the difference between critical thinking and judging people. Not saying I didn’t have personal thoughts toward people, it just wasn’t a part of the story so not part of my job.But it’s hard not to empathize with another human being when you hear their story even if they’re terrible people. It’s a blessing and a curse

[Anon-C]

2. I agree, Walleye, empathy is a blessing and a curse at times.

[hlthe2b]

3. Past three years with a conservative friend of mine whose husband was dying of cancer

She is not a bad person, but we do not talk politics. She is defensive as hell about so many subjects, including religion, that our conversations are pretty much limited to our dogs. But I was there throughout her husband's hellacious last 18 months and now that she's had to have an exceedingly difficult knee replacement with a rough recovery, given her not insignificant stress weight gain.

Fortunately, she is not anti-science, is well-educated, and would never counter the facts about COVID-19 nor deny the need for masking and vaccines, having been vaccinated herself as soon as she qualified.

Still, she has a kneejerk need to defend so much of her Texas conservative roots that it is not easy sometimes--especially since many that join us at the community dog park, are as liberal or perhaps more so than me! I see the look on her face when they start conversations about issues that make her uncomfortable, but I'm sufficiently polite not to join in in her presence.

She can be a good and giving person. Her religious beliefs are sincere. But damn her defense of conservative politics is so incongruous to me as to be a "mystery of life."