Many times when we think about helping others we look globally or around the community. We sometimes overlook our loved ones who are in desperate need of our help. This post is about reaching out to your friends and family and supporting them through the ups and downs of life.
Our friends and family confide in us and sometimes we aren’t sure how to respond. Do we give them advice even though it may hurt their feelings? Is it best to be brutally honest? What is the best way to be supportive yet objective?
Here are some creative fun tips for helping your friends through tough times:
- Be an active LISTENER!!! Sometimes it appears we are listening when in fact we aren’t. Being an active listener means we are totally in tuned to what the person is saying and we are demonstrating this with phrases like “yes,” “I can see why you are feeling that way,” etc.
- Break out the ice cream and wine (maybe not together)! Sometimes lounging around and discussing each other’s current issues is just the perfect solution.
- GIRL’S NIGHT! Plan an outing with a bunch of your girlfriends. There is nothing that will help cheer up your friend like a night of fun with friends. This will help remind your friend that she is surrounded by people who love and support her!
- Send a little love note! Send an uplifting note, flowers or gift just to remind your friend you are there for them.
If your friends or family members continue to experience these feelings, this could be an indicator of a deeper emotional issue. Though an important role of being a friend is counseling, understand what is out of your bounds. Consider referring your friends to a therapist if the following characteristics are present for an extended period of time:
- A drastic change in behavior.
- Change in appetite resulting in weight loss or weight gain.
- Lack of interests in favorite hobbies or activities.
- Isolation from friends or family.
- Self-medicating.
- Trouble sleeping or fatigue.
HUG a friend today!
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