"People often encounter infertility for the first time without a shared language. What they need is not just support, but a vocabulary for their experience. Unlike loss, there is no go-to phrase for infertility, making it harder to express empathy and understanding."
"When people don't know what to say, they often reach for reassurance or positivity. This well-intentioned response usually reflects their discomfort rather than addressing the needs of the person going through infertility."
"Saying, 'I don't know what to say, but I'm here and I want to support you,' can feel far more genuine and containing. It emphasizes the importance of tolerating discomfort in oneself and in others."
Conversations about infertility are challenging due to the absence of a shared language. Unlike other forms of loss, there are no standard phrases to express support. Well-intentioned reassurances often reflect the speaker's discomfort rather than addressing the needs of those experiencing infertility. Acknowledging one's inability to find the right words and expressing a willingness to understand can be more supportive. The focus should be on tolerating discomfort and maintaining open communication during these difficult conversations.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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