The other side of sympathy

[WinningBV]

Somewhat lighthearted .... I came to a realisation recently that despite being a fairly caring and empathetic soul, I cannot help but feel a sense of relief that it isn't me going through the hardships/horrors that I hear of. Writing that makes me sound nasty but I can't deny it's something that crosses my mind. Not instantly, but once I've felt the sympathy, I'm then grateful I've dodged the bullet 😆I've had my share of hardship and horror so I'm not living in some pearl clutching bubble. Maybe it's just gratitude I'm feeling but I'm feeling guilty for it?
I'm wondering if anyone can relate? To some extent life is a lottery so when you hear of awful things, especially ones close to home, then whilst sad it's easy to see how it could have been you in a similar situation and just......thank fuck it isn't 😬😂
Anyone?

Isn’t that totally normal

That’s why, then the terrible thing happens to you, you know exactly what other people are thinking. ‘Thank God it’s not me with the stage 4 cancer diagnosis’. ‘Thank God it’s not my child in the ICU.’

Yeah, fair. It’s that thing where if someone says their loved one died, you hug that equivalent to you loved one a little tighter because you’re glad they’re still here.

I think when you empathise with someone you try to put yourself in their shoes. Then you come away thanking God you’re back in your own and it’s not happening to you!

It's normal to feel relief. I'm sure when dh died and I had to tell my kids people were very relieved it wasn't them. What's with all the giggling emojis though?

You have articulated it much better than me. I'm glad its normal.

I'm so sorry for your loss, I honestly cannot imagine. I wanted to keep it light hearted but also knew it would be an emotive subject.