“What do you want?”

The question is an abrasive one. If verbalized, it can seem offensive.

And yet it’s the question we should have in our minds as we interact.

“What do you want?”

It’s something to ponder as someone speaks to us. As someone tells us a story.

Meaning, I want to understand your needs. I want to know how I can help. Do you want…

• my attention?

• my advice?

• my opinion?

• my laughter?

• my approval?

• my reassurance?

• my forgiveness?

• my pity?

• my support?

• my discouragement?

It’s an affront to ask these outright. But by trying to tune into what someone is seeking, it helps us to respond in a way that is compassionate and helpful.