A good listener is a true friend

At the risk of sounding like someone on Thought For The Day, it is true. When life is tough, someone who really makes time to listen to you is a true friend. I have had more than enough occsaions over the last few years to bend the ear of a friend with my troubles. I hope, and think, I would do the same for them or someone else. Sometimes just talking to someone really helps you feel better and get perspective on your worries. I read an article recently where it said it was possible to worry yourself to death and nobody wants to do that; even born worriers like me. So whilst time is precious, financially it costs the listener nothing. Just being prepared to give you the time is priceless. If you want to repay this generosity gratitude as a repayment can be shown in ways too numerous to mention here. It need not cost financially but can be just as valuable. After all you never know when the tables are turned.