About this quote

There is a simple power in having someone else witness the moment you're in. That mutual confirmation doesn't fix problems, but it steadies you enough to take the next step. Offer a short word, a touch, or a slow breath together; small signals can be all the reassurance you need. Who in your life needs that quiet proof of presence right now?

When to use it

• At the hospital when my partner came out of anesthesia, I squeezed their hand and said we were both here so we could start talking again.
• After a loud fight, I sat on the sofa and told my spouse I was sitting there with them; we stopped shouting and began to listen.
• During a 2 a.m. coding session when everything kept failing, my teammate looked up and asked if I was still with her; I said yes and we kept going.
• Before the marathon started, my friend and I put our palms together at the corral and nodded to make the nerves feel smaller.