Today’s coping tip is ask someone how their day is going and really listen to them.

I had the chance to do this with one of the kids I coach recently. This athlete seemed a little distracted and annoyed by things, without great body language one day. It wasn’t busy, so I asked a few questions, wanting to know about this person, what was good, bad, what went well, not well, what was bothering them.

Not a deep discussion, but one where I could listen to them, express sympathies, but not solve their issues.

I enjoy getting to know someone I care about better, even when I can’t do anything for them at the moment.

I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQL Server Central newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.