There’s nothing wrong with discussing the weather, but I do get frustrated by how often it comes up.

I’d much rather hear about your passions or failures. I’d love to learn what God is doing in your life. Tell me what you’re going through right now.

Forget the weather, and let’s talk about something meaningful. Let’s connect on a much deeper level. You have a story that needs to be told, and you are the only one to tell it. And there are plenty of people ready to listen.

The weather out there is so inconsequential and momentary. Your experiences are infinitely more meaningful than the need for a light jacket.

If it’s a gorgeous day out, by all means say so. But if there’s a 30% chance of rain, just ignore it and tell me how you have been dealing with your depression.

Or your addiction. Or losing your job. Or the loss of a loved one.

I’m not the best listener, but I will try. I know you have pain and frustration and satisfaction and elation, and you need to talk about it. Never doubt that your story is much more important than the weather, the news, the game last night, the latest viral video, or TV shows. I’m dying to hear your story.

And you’re dying to say it.

But you don’t feel safe. You feel like your friends will gasp at your stories and judge you. You have tried to open up before and people kept changing the topic or losing interest. You were shut down or invalidated, or worse — completely ignored. You feel like no one cares what you have to say.

Not true. Try again until you find someone to listen.

You may have to try talking around different circles of friends until you find one that will actively listen with empathy. You may realize your “friends” aren’t that willing to hear what you absolutely need to say. That hurts to discover.

If nothing else, come find me. I will do my best to listen to you and your story and your feelings. And no one will even mention the weather.