Do you have a friend going through a tough breakup, divorce, loss of a pet, or loved one, loss of a job, etc? Then as their friend, you want to be there for them and show as much support as possible. You want to show that you are there for them and show compassion and sympathy regarding their current situation but how? It can be tough knowing what to do, say, not say, etc. Here’s a guide that can help you to show your support.
Hang Out
Sometimes hanging out is the best thing you can do. Just be there, and listen without any expectation. If you can give them a distraction from all of the things that they are worried about then this will help them to come to terms with their feelings and it will also give them the opportunity to talk if they feel as though that’s what they need. This is a very simple and effective way for you to be there for them, and it will also make them feel valued, loved and cared for.
Listen
If you are trying to give advice, and if you are trying to help then this is okay. With that in mind, when someone you love is going through a lot of pain and sorrow, you may feel under pressure to say something. You may also want to make them feel better. This is understandable, but with that in mind, sometimes it’s good to just let them express their emotions. Saying nothing is okay, and if anything it may make the other person feel as though they are truly being listened to. If you want to help others, why not look into the best chaplaincy programs?
Validate
One way for you to respond to someone without having to offer advice would be for you to validate their feelings. If they tell you about their issues and if they tell you when they feel scared then respond saying that you can see why they are having such a hard time. Reflect on what has been said and recap in a thoughtful way so your friend can see that you are listening properly to them.
Avoid Cliches
There is a lot of advice out there that might sound good, but at the end of the day, it’s not helpful at all. If you’re not sure what to say then say “I don’t know what to say” and be honest about it. Don’t go to cliches such as “plenty of fish in the sea” or “it’s going to be okay” because it may be hard for the person to see things in this way. This is especially the case if they are going through a really difficult time and are not able to process things properly.
Run some Errands
Sometimes when someone is having a hard time, all you have to do is run some errands for them. If your friend is dealing with a crisis then offering some help can sometimes come as a huge relief. This is a great way for you to show your support and you would be surprised at what a positive difference it can make.
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 