I Just Need You To Listen

I do not want your empathy or sympathy. I do not want tears or long loud pitying sighs. There is nothing for you to fix. Please do not comfort me. Look at me with your warm, thoughtful eyes and smile. Take my hand in yours and give it a squeeze occasionally. Let me know what I could not share with others I can share with you. I do not want you to be sad, or angry. I do not want a grudge. It has taken me a long time to trust a person with my truth. I need you to listen. Nothing more. I do not want tears. I do not want feelings. I want you to honor me by giving me respect I need to share my truth without fear that you will be too sympathetic or empathetic or try to fix it. I do not want to be saved, I want to be understood, for who I am.