just for myself, there isn't anything anyone can say unless someone asks a direct question. i just needed people there to hear what ever i had to say and usually it was because i felt like it was such a big part of who i was i need them to know that too. i didn't have any desire for them to feel bad for me or to offer advice. i just always felt like people saw it and putting it out there made it easier for me. if they didn't act all weird and move away on the bench it was what i needed. hope that helps, be a friend not a therapist.