Please don't say "everything happens for a reason". It's a worthless post-hoc rationalization. There is no conceivable outcome that could be worth watching someone go through shit like that.
I don't know what the GP meant by it, but "everything happens for a reason" can be of comfort when people are going through hard times. Connecting to purpose of some kind can help people find strength. It might not resonate for you, but it doesn't mean it can't help someone, sometime.
You are correct, it does not resonate with me. But even worse, it makes me think you (the rhetorical you, of course, not YOU personally) are trying to invalidate the anger/sadness/grief that I feel. People go through some incredibly shitty times, and for you to walk into that and say "hey, look for the bright side!" is not helpful.
> Connecting to purpose of some kind can help people find strength.
Sure, it can, but I doubt they need you to point it out. The reason it's a cliche is because everybody's heard it before.
So, OK, there's a chance you might say it to someone and it genuinely comforts them. But there's also a pretty good chance you're just going to alienate them. Up to you.
Comments
Please don't say "everything happens for a reason". It's a worthless post-hoc rationalization. There is no conceivable outcome that could be worth watching someone go through shit like that.
I don't know what the GP meant by it, but "everything happens for a reason" can be of comfort when people are going through hard times. Connecting to purpose of some kind can help people find strength. It might not resonate for you, but it doesn't mean it can't help someone, sometime.
You are correct, it does not resonate with me. But even worse, it makes me think you (the rhetorical you, of course, not YOU personally) are trying to invalidate the anger/sadness/grief that I feel. People go through some incredibly shitty times, and for you to walk into that and say "hey, look for the bright side!" is not helpful.
> Connecting to purpose of some kind can help people find strength.
Sure, it can, but I doubt they need you to point it out. The reason it's a cliche is because everybody's heard it before.
So, OK, there's a chance you might say it to someone and it genuinely comforts them. But there's also a pretty good chance you're just going to alienate them. Up to you.