Today, I had to watch someone I care about very much, go through an anxiety attack because of the person she is dating. And I found myself in a very difficult position. I felt that I needed to help her calm down, but at the same time, it wasn’t my place to intervene. This made me wonder... At what point should one intervene? Although it is not affecting me directly, it is still affecting someone I care for. One wouldn’t let someone they care for with an eating disorder just continue having an eating disorder. They would intervene. So, where is the fine line?
This is very insightful! :) First of all, I somewhat agree with you. There is a fine line that divides whether or not we are overstepping our boundaries. Personally I believe that although the line may be fine, it is also jagged. For example, in the instance you were talking about (with the girl having an eating disorder) I personally believe that it is your/ the friend's place to step in and take her to the doctor because the person with the eating disorder is physically hurting herself. However, in a situation involving relationship problems, does the same rule apply? Technically, the subject may not be physically hurting him/herself, but the situation may be mentally harmful or emotionally deteriorating. Is it the bystander's place to step in and defend the person? Or should the bystander be more of a comfort than an active participant? This “line” is extremely hard to define because it changes from situation to situation.
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