How would u feel if she opened up to you?!
Question: You have been teaching with a very soft-spoken, shy young woman for the past 3 years. The first year she barely spoke or made eye contact. The second year, she would smile and give you a small wave. This year she's slowly coming out of her shell and asks a lot of questions to keep conversations going. She seems to be naturally soft-spoken though.
How would u feel if she opened up to you about:
1.) an ongoing illness that you've watched her suffer thru
2.) problems she's been having with a friend
She's still very timid around you even though she's opened up about some personal things. What would u think and how would u feel?
Answers: You have been teaching with a very soft-spoken, shy young woman for the past 3 years. The first year she barely spoke or made eye contact. The second year, she would smile and give you a small wave. This year she's slowly coming out of her shell and asks a lot of questions to keep conversations going. She seems to be naturally soft-spoken though.
How would u feel if she opened up to you about:
1.) an ongoing illness that you've watched her suffer thru
2.) problems she's been having with a friend
She's still very timid around you even though she's opened up about some personal things. What would u think and how would u feel?
I was on the opposite end of that...what do you think about her/me? (not literally me...but what I was like then) I always wanted to know how this person thought of me...
she may be embarassed about what she told you...but also (seriously consider this) She looks up to you. for these 3 years she has thought you were so cool...a really pretty and successful lady (in her eyes...I dont really know you) and she has always wanted someone to hear her and know what shes going through and to be able to talk to them about it, so she gets up the courage to talk to you about it...and she is so excited but terrified to see what you have to say...and she is afraid that you think of her bad or if she looks stupid.
and what she really wants from you is some aknowledgement. she wants you to tell her that she is justified (for lack of better term) in feeling the way she does. and to want to know what she is going through...
I think she really needs you to be there for her...and maybe ask her some questions and make her feel wanted. or to maybe give her a hug
I think you should do all you can to support her. but also make sure there are boundaries between you two. but she's really just a shy person around people who she idolizes. and be aware if she starts acting certain ways if you dont notice her.
Why are you asking how someone else, a stranger, would feel? Apparently you are the one she has come to trust and open up to, therefore the question is for yourself. How do YOU feel about it?
Obviously it is an issue for her - or perhaps she is just naturally shy.
Be kind. Listen.
Don't be judgemental.
But most important, be sympathetic - if it has taken 3 years, then being sympathetic is what I think would be the thing I would value most (in her place). But, don't overdo it.
A smile with warmth is always good for anyone who is reaching out , be her rock , give your best ALWAYS ,,,,,