here Goes Part 2

[MichelleLT]

If she says something about how she's given up because she tried, agree. (And this goes for other topics of conversation as well - it's about validating and being an active listener on all fronts) Find whatever little piece of it, whether 20% of her comment, that you can find it in your heart to agree with, and wholeheartedly do so. Be safe to talk to and confide in.

E.g. If she says, "I tried, but it's too late now and I'm done" say "I understand why you feel that way". No matter how much you want to argue that it's NOT too late, that it can be fixed, empathize with her emotions. Validate her feelings, logical or not (and emotions usually aren't lol).

It seems like you are making an effort to listen and not comment, so this might be taking it one step further from what I understand of your stitch.

It's good that you can joke around with her a little. That is definitely a positive!

One warning from a woman's perspective, be careful on the timing. As is always true, half of humor is the timing. And if she feels for some reason you are not taking her or the situation seriously, she might be annoyed/angry rather than amused.

Okay, back to work for me! Lol.