deleted by creator

deleted by creator

That’s awful, I’m sorry. Have you found a spiciness substitute that lets you try heat in food without the allergic reaction? Do you know what the compound is that you react to?

the uncommon thing is uncommon because that’s how it became uncommon

OK but that’s why OP asked for examples in the first place.

you could at least

Note: here “it would be nice if” is more polite, since the least one could have done is always

And then what happened?
That must be really hard for you.
Wow. You don’t deserve that.
How do you feel about it now?
Ugh. That sounds awful.
You’re handling this better than I would.
How do you even respond to that?
Tell me about it.
What can I do to help?
You’ve got this, but I’m here.

Edit: I wrote the above to illustrate how many options there are in the parlance of active listening. The formula is simple: imagine how they feel and join their side or, if you can’t yet imagine, ask questions until you can. That’s it.