As a child, she went through things that no child should ever endure - and enough for several children. Deep trust issues, etc.
This jumped out at me - because most (if not all) of us bring unhealed childhood wounds into our adult relationships. I think more often than not, they are time bombs waiting to explode until push meets shove. Some people just want the hurt to go away so badly that they keep running at all cost. Their lives are littered with collateral damage and proof that they think it's too hard to figure out the real underlying issues and resolve the hurts.
Regardless, I think the adage you have twice as many ears as you do a mouth is a good rule of thumb when you get into your meeting. Listening will give you an idea where she is. Try not to prepare a defense - really HEAR her. Paraphrase and repeat back to her because that will force you to stay with her. Sometimes I cringe when someone replays something I said back the way they understand it. It forces me to take a step back and word things differently - especially if they contain emotions.
Good luck. Betsey
"There are only 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
