Today one of my coworkers was going through something in a relationship. He came to me about it, and we talked about it. Ive given him advice before and usually people seek me out for it. Normally i would have known all the right things to say to help, especially since i know this person well. Without giving all the context needed, we work in a manufacturing facility. He helped me get the job here after i left my last job building engines/transmissions for a major construction equipment company. This place im at now, is a dead end for felons, dropouts, and whatever else. Feelings dont fly.
So he knows im a safe place to go. So he came to my area, and we talked. He cried, quietly, in that way men do when they want to bawl but know it's not the place or the time. I told him i would hug him if we both wouldnt face endless amounts of shit for it and he laughed.
He had to leave abruptly (text from the woman in question) and i had my own stuff to work on. So i texted him this a little later.
He came back and told me "first off, your advice isnt bad, and second, youre a good friend."
We talked for another 30 minutes and i xould see his eyes getting redder.
I just recently turned 30 years old and ive seen and done a lot in my time. I know more about this community and others than most people older than me. Im glad when i can help people out and today, despite the things going on in my life, i showed up for someone i love and respect and im proud of it.