When we see a close friend going through a hard time, sometimes we can feel powerless to help. It can be hard seeing someone you care about struggling, especially when all you want to do is help and support them.
Whether someone they care about has passed away, they’ve lost their job or just broken up with someone, it can be hard to know how to help. While you want to help your friend, sometimes fear of making the situation worse can hold you back.
Don’t worry that what you say or do will make things worse, just realize that what matters is that you are there to support your friend. If you put your foot in it, apologize – it’s pretty simple. If you say the wrong thing, the chances are that your friend won’t even care, they’ll just be glad that you are there.
To help you raise their spirits and support them, here are a few tips and ideas to take a look at:
– Let them talk
The best thing you can do as a friend is listen to them as they talk. Sometimes, being able to get everything off of their chest is all it takes to help your friend cheer up.
Give your friend the chance to talk, don’t interrupt, simply listen and nod to show that you are listening. Don’t try to give your friend advice about how they should deal with the situation, just show them that you understand.
– Make them laugh
Your friend might not feel like laughing at the moment, but laughter really is the best medicine. Book tickets to see their favorite comedian, watch a funny DVD or reminisce about old times.
Once your friend can see the funny side of life, they will realize that life isn’t over. Something bad might have happened, but that doesn’t mean that life won’t go on.
– Surprise them with a gift
There’s nothing like a present to perk you up, so why not surprise your friend with a gift? It’s up to you how much you want to spend; it’s not about how much the present costs, it’s the thought that counts.
Whether you surprise your friend with flowers or with one of the Shinola gold watches she’s been wanting, it doesn’t matter. It’s the thought that counts, not how much you spend on the gift.
– Book a spa day
There’s nothing like a pamper day to make you forget your troubles. Book a spa day for you and your friend and spend some time relaxing and being pampered.
As well as relaxing in the sauna and sipping champagne all day, why not treat your friend to a calming massage? It’s amazing how much better your friend will feel after having a soothing massage.
When a friend is feeling down it can be hard to know what to do to make things better, especially when you don’t want to make things worse. The most important thing you can do is be there for them and take the time to listen.
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Kate Mitchell is a blogger, chronic illness patient, and advocate who helps people understand chronic illness and helps chronic illness patients live their best lives.
Kenzie Negron says
wow this post is awesome. I totally agree with all of your points xx, kenz
http://sincerelykenz.com
Orly says
laughing and letting them talk is my best way of helping them, along with a big pint of ben and jerrys half baked!
thank you for sharing this
xo
Orly
coffeebeansandhighheels/WP/
Candace Shiflet says
awesome tips and such a great post to share! It is always so nice to have someone there to make you feel better and to BE the person making someone feel better when they're sad! Surprising with a gift is always a good idea! it can even be like a cupcake or flowers 🙂
xo, Candace | Lovely Little Rants