Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

Today I had a walk with an old friend.  She asked about my recent trip, but interrupted before I began to describe in detail her last trip.  This is a familiar pattern.  She wants to tell me something, and can't quite stop herself from blurting out something that disturbed her.  I also know to keep my response light and easy.  She often gets mad at what I say in response.  This friend clearly wants to ease herself by telling me and also hearing what I think, but she's at the same time ready to do battle with my response.  She's had a hard life, and I am sympathetic to her vulnerabilities, so I give her slack and try not to rock the boat.  I know she rubs a lot of people the wrong way, but her heart is gold and she does the best she can.  So we have one sided conversations, but at least we've touched base and supported each other by our presence.