The person telling both sides may still choose which details each side gets to have.

Anyone carrying messages between two people is editing. Even with no intention to mislead, they decide what is worth repeating, what would only hurt, and what needs softening, and each of those choices shapes what the two sides believe about one another. The role feels helpful and is unavoidably powerful. Both parties end up with an account assembled by somebody who has a view of the dispute.

If you are between two people this week, ask what you have chosen not to pass on. Where you can, put them in direct contact rather than continuing to translate.