I thought I was a very empathetic person, but maybe I’m not.

I work retail. And I’m sorry, but I don’t care that your dog has cancer, kidney failure, and a heart murmur. I think you are a shitty person for recognizing that your dog is in pain and dying and you won’t do anything about it.

I don’t know how to respond to strangers (even outside of work) trying to tell me personal details. I want to follow my script and have you leave.

And thinking of a normal response is hard.

“Oh, I feel so bad for you” no I don’t.. you are being selfish by allowing your dog to suffer.

But any personal friend or family member, yes I care a lot. And I try to help and be very supportive. Strangers I can’t seem to connect with like that.