Elizabeth
'Choosing' to stay in the Greatwood because it was her only option could absolutely foster resentment, yet Elizabeth didn't see any of that in Maea. She saw a woman coming into her own, taking steps to care for herself, planning; and those weren't signs of someone feeling cornered by their current situation. Humming in acknowledgement of the realistic fear, she asked, "What would you do if you came to resent being here?" Sometimes just walking through the 'worst-case scenario' would help someone understand that it wasn't the end of the world.
Narrowing her eyes sympathetically, she listened to the struggles that had tainted every interaction with Flora. Perhaps it was a cross of bad luck and clashing personalities, although Elizabeth knew there were always two sides to a story. But they weren't focusing on the other side, they were focusing on Maea, and she nodded her head. "That sounds like a very difficult conversation." Validating, soft, reassurance that whatever she was feeling was justified. There were many things she could address: her quick reaction to agree with whatever Flora had said, the desire to 'make amends' stemming from selfish or self-sacrificing altruism, her defensiveness. Each topic was perfectly reasonable to bring up, but she decided to start with something a little broader, curiosity pricking her mind.
Elizabeth let her warm, gentle gaze settle on Maea, tender as she asked, "How did you feel when she said 'everyone hates you'?"
Narrowing her eyes sympathetically, she listened to the struggles that had tainted every interaction with Flora. Perhaps it was a cross of bad luck and clashing personalities, although Elizabeth knew there were always two sides to a story. But they weren't focusing on the other side, they were focusing on Maea, and she nodded her head. "That sounds like a very difficult conversation." Validating, soft, reassurance that whatever she was feeling was justified. There were many things she could address: her quick reaction to agree with whatever Flora had said, the desire to 'make amends' stemming from selfish or self-sacrificing altruism, her defensiveness. Each topic was perfectly reasonable to bring up, but she decided to start with something a little broader, curiosity pricking her mind.
Elizabeth let her warm, gentle gaze settle on Maea, tender as she asked, "How did you feel when she said 'everyone hates you'?"
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
