Head, Shoulders, Knees

Fact: The average human has around 10,000 minor injuries in a lifetime... this includes stubbed toes.

Want more toe injuries? Try Toe Wrestling (yeah, it's an actual sport).

"The game was invented by four drinkers in Ye Olde Royal Oak Inn in Wetton, Staffordshire in 1974, who were bemoaning the fact that the United Kingdom struggled to produce any world champions. Logically, if a new sport was invented that no one else knew about, the country could boast a champion at last." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toe_wrestling)

We're learning so much useless information today! XD

Seriously though, stubbing a toe can bring A LOT of pain since the nerves in our feet are some of the most sensitive in the body.

When you were a kid, did you have that elder family member who'd tickle your feet without remorse? An uncle or aunt maybe? Grandpa or Grandma? You'd laugh so hard you'd begin to cry, and cry so hard you'd laugh.

Maybe it was your ribs, or that sweet spot on your neck that got you every-time.

Everyone has sensitivities, just some people are very, very, very closed-off about them.

I used to wear my emotions on my sleeve -- it was so obvious, people didn't have to ask "How's your day?", they knew at a glance. Over the years however I've shifted into a more reserved individual, but I'm still the same emotional me.

Sometimes we don't know how to handle it when others are emotional either.

When I see a friend hurting, crying even, my empathy kicks on. I can't help to feel their hurt in the moment (good sign I'm on the right path as a counselor.)

Is there a right way to handle those situations?

My advice (as limited as it is) would be to:

(1) Observe - the situation. How strained do they appear? Don't jump in right away without first taking note of who's nearby and what's already being done.

(2) Ask - Everyone loves it when people ask about them. When hurt people are given an opportunity to defend themselves be wary however, as their filter can be off-kilter. Be genuine in your approach and don't step on toes!

(3) Listen - Once you've asked, don't continue to ask questions. The second worst thing you could do would be to tell the person who is hurting what they should do. These people don't need advice, they need support.

(4) Listen some more - Keep it up! They have a lot to say because a lot has happened to them. Only once you're positive they are done with their venting should you give counsel.

My roommate and I had a good time practicing this last night (I was going through some stuff and he listened well!) The validation of being heard can oftentimes be more meaningful than the words replied.

So now, whenever you see your toes, you'll think about this blog post, and then you'll smile.

You're welcome!