We have some shocking news for you: It’s cold outside.

OK, obviously that wasn’t a shock to anyone. But what may surprise you is that there are some people who are not handling this weather well at all.

No, we’re not talking about the girl who ordered her Starbucks this morning wearing a hoodie for a jacket and has been “so over” this weather since the first snowflake fell—that’s a different kind of problem. We are talking about regular people who, for their various reasons, are genuinely struggling in one way or another because of the season’s side effects.

Winter can be a frustrating time. It brings the immobilizing cold that holds many of us back from wanting to do anything. It lengthens travel times, and no one wants to wake up even earlier to make time for scraping ice off their car.

Further, this season intensifies anxiety. Fears such as not being able to start the car and sliding off the road are further agitated by intolerant drivers who speed and tailgate on slick roads.

Not to mention, seasonal depression is in full force for many of us, making life all the more frustrating.

But the storm will stop eventually. In the meantime, we need to all be there for each other.

That could go as far as going out of your way to make someone’s life easier, but at the very least, be tolerant of what others could be going through.

Don’t get mad too quickly; not all things will affect you tomorrow, and the person you’re mad at is probably also having a rough time.

Understand that people are on edge at this time of the year, and apply that understanding in your interactions (e.g. don’t worsen someone’s anxiety by tailgating, don’t make someone take on work that was supposed to be your job).

If you want to take empathy a step further, be someone who reminds others that humanity still exists. Maybe you could deliver chicken soup and a card to your sick friend or shovel your neighbor’s driveway. Even something as simple as a hug or a listening ear could be what someone really needs right now.

And of course, do the best you can to take care of yourself. Your treatment of others starts with yourself, so make sure your own needs are being met.

The recent weather has been rough for just about everyone. But if we practice a little patience and understanding, maybe the rest of the winter will not seem so dismal.

The Editorial staff can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].