The other day, I described ailments to a friend.
“I feel dizzy all the time,” I stated. “And I lose my balance.”
“Me too!” she said.
“The arthritis in my hands and feet nearly cripple me.”
“Me too!”
“The right side of my face is numb.”
“Me too!”
“And a worm emerges from my left ear only at breakfast.”
“Me too!”
That’s when Rule #47 kicked in: Never try to elicit sympathy from a hypochondriac.
I learned that too!!
Empathy, yes. Sympathy, no.