Mom vs. Step-mom

My step-mom is no slouch. Alas, my biological mom is smarter. Nonetheless, mom is comfortable and believes in "systems" - government systems, corporate systems, etc. Step-mom is an entrepreneur.

I give mom ideas that step-mom would run with, while mom thinks if you have a high enough credential and credible experience, you're right for the job.

I'm probably not quite as smart as mom, but step-mom has the edge in that I know she would take some of my bright ideas and consider them seriously.

If only I had mom's skills.

How to Deal with a Loved-one in Trauma

trauma meaning - after a near-death experience (convalescing, in hospital, etc.)





Tier One
Help them. This might not be how you're thinking, but how they're thinking. Or, neither of you may know the answer, and you need outside advice. Some of us have natural intuitions and don't need much outside advice, except in knowing themselves and acknowledging their talents.

Tier Two
You don't really have to 'do' anything, but be a friend. Be normal. Talk and listen to them.

Tier Three
Be an agreeable acquaintance. You can share space, see each other, but interaction is not so important.

Tier Four
Leave them alone.

Anything outside of this hierarchy - coercion, dishonesty, nonsense (saying things that you can't back up or are illogical), antagonism (including arguments) is enemy territory. They're not like normal people. When they need to heal, anything other than peace isn't an option.