a problem with me by saying, “Hold it right there; I can see
exactly what this needs” and then rushing off to fetch my
tool kit.
Of course, some problems don’t actually have solutions; that’s
not why we’re being told them. We are being told so we can be
part of the process, and that may be sympathy, grief, shock,
empathy, kindness, emotional advice, or hand-holding.
Knowing when to offer chocolate and sympathy or a tool kit
and a stout rope instead is the skill to learn, and a good Rules
Player gets it right. (Yes, yes, I know; I still get it wrong far too
often.)
KNOWING WHEN TO OFFER
CHOCOLATE AND
SYMPATHY OR A TOOL KIT
AND A STOUT ROPE
INSTEAD IS THE SKILL
TO LEARN.