Question

Your roommate Donna returns back to the dorm at 1 a.m. to tell you that she is done with her boyfriend. She says he dumped her for another girl she had been friends with. She is highly upset about losing her boyfriend, not to mention having a friend go out with him. She says she can't take it anymore and can't focus on studying for tomorrow morning's test. You find yourself getting progressively upset as she reveals her story.What might be the best action to take at this time?

a. "Donna, I want to hear your story, but it is late and I must go to bed soon."
b. "Donna, I can see you are visibly upset. Is there someone with whom you can talk about this in the morning?"
c. "Donna, you have a test that is important in the morning. What can you do now to make sure you are ready to take it? Can we talk about this situation once the test is over?"
d. "Donna, I am so sorry for your situation. I want to talk with you but only for another few minutes as we both need to get some sleep."

ANS: All responses could be used under the right situation. Discuss why one would be picked over another.

Answer 1

It is best to pick the answer c. In the answer c, someone is reminding Donna about the test that is important. In that sensitive situation, Donna will not be giving importance for the test . But if someone is there to remind, it will be a great help.

Secondly, someone is helping to overcome the stess which is caused by searching for some ways to get rid of it .

In the response c also stated to recollect the incident once the exam gets over, which is an ideal way of dealing with stress. Otherwise the person may overwhelmed with emotions and the learning and concentration will not be there for next days test