2nd Group Therapy Session

Today at group, the therapist asked what we had reflected on since last group.  I mentioned that I had given some thought to the idea of what to reveal to the group.  I told them I wanted to try and be as honest and open as possible, because I thought that would be the best thing for me.  I got to test this theory when I announced that I would miss the next group meeting due to nose surgery (we're supposed to announce when we're not going to be present, and we also have to pay for the sessions we miss).  The girl asked me if it was a necessary surgery, or if it was cosmetic.  I told them that the official story was that it was a necessary surgery for my sinuses, but in actuality, it was purely cosmetic.  This revelation did not feel weird, although I still feel compelled to tell the outside world that the surgery is necessary (even my parents think it is for my sinuses).  We then talked some about body issues and how personal and painful that can be to share with others.  

The girl in the group declared there was something she wanted to talk about near the end of the session.  She revealed a death in her husband's family and the impact she feared it would have on her relationship with her husband.  She cried, and I felt very awkward because of it.  Perhaps it was because I was the only other female in the room, I felt I should be able to comfort her somehow, but I don't know how to do that.  I never had a good nurturing female role model growing up, and I feel I lack a certain ability to soothe others because of it.  I felt compassion for her, but had no clue how to translate that emotion into words or actions.