Part of being a listener is not to be judgemental act like you are their best friend just sitting together like you normally would and discuss each other's problems.

Members always look for someone who understands them and connects with them, it usually helps them if you've been in their position before or you've had someone close to you that have gone through it.

The emotional impact of a free service and non judgemental listeners is a huge one. I often get "Don't hate me please but sometimes I feel like this." You may not like it or have a difference of opinion on their actions but the whole point is for you to help them.

One of the rules is your not allowed to give advice.
Why?
Because any advice you give them may be bad for their situation and if it turns out wrong then you'll feel bad and the member may be inclined to blame you. Also the member is entitled to report you if this was to happen.

Sometimes you may get a warning your you may be deleted off 7cups and banned for life. So be warned.

I came across a situation a while back where a Listener struck up a relationship with a member. I mean a real relationship. They had been going out for a while even meeting each other in real life.

My first response in my head was something like "Don't you know the online dangers of meeting strangers?.. Haven't you forgotten everything they taught you in school about staying safe online?."
But then I'm like breathe Colette your not supposed to be judgemental..Your supposed to help them remember?.

She then told me he had cheated on her and treated her like dirt and asked me what she could do.

So I then contacted my fellow listeners and they advised me to tell the member to report him..

God knows what happened to him after that.. If that was me I'd skin him alive.. It's like a doctor going out with a patient and that breeches that trust between you.

So defiantly not do that! A lot of listeners do have difficult chats so if you need to talk to someone you can talk to me Lovelyheart14 or any of the listeners.
One last bit of advice Remember if they are suicidal or need help send them the contact numbers above your chat on your screen (if you are a listener) they need help immediately and as a listener you are not allowed to take suicide chats.

To recap,
1) Be nice and friendly
2) Do not be Judgemental
3)Do not give them advice but you can help them to figure it out for themselves like ask them questions E.g how would you feel if you did this?.

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Hope this helped please vote and comment and share to help others!