I feel so bad for him, I said as a recounted his personal woes – me buying a house, work stress, another dog that might need to be put down.

Michelle, she said…but the second syllable dropped lower in that way when you know that this is someone who knows you, loves you, wants only the best for you, but needs you to listen closely.

That second syllable makes me pay attention.

Michelle, she said, he brought this on himself. Remember what he did to you. You left everything behind because you couldn’t stay. I know you feel bad for him, that’s who you are, but don’t forget why you moved here. I remember when you first started here – I felt so bad for you. You aren’t the same person now. I’m not trying to lecture you…just don’t forget why you moved here.