Being genuinely present to someone also means being willing to be touched by him or her. If I genuinely bring myself to a relationship, I must be prepared to be changed by it. Anything less than this means that I am not totally present. Being genuinely present means that I may be affected by your feelings. I may be influenced by your beliefs.
“Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction” (David G. Benner), p. 52