How to help/support a friend:
Hello Curious Readers, Today I’m writing about how to support and help a friend in need or someone who is struggling with some personal problems they may or may not tell you. A little disclaimer: You may ask how I got on this idea with creating this post. I’ve recently had a friend telling me that she has some serious personal problems. But she’s insecure with herself and doesn’t have the trust in other people because of her past where she hasn’t been treated very well by other people. So we’ve talked really long and then I came to the (stupid) conclusion that I can’t really help her unless she opens up to me about her problems.
Now after this conversation with my friend I’ve noticed that I was just really emotionally drained and then I talked to my sister about it who is right now making an education to be a motivational coach or something in this direction and she’s working in a center where people can call this special number and get help with their problems about it. And she told me at first that you of course can do something for her also when she doesn’t open up to you. You know, humans need time and sometimes also space to get clear with their situation and own thoughts.
And there are some other things that my sister told me. So for now I’ve packed that in different categories leading you to a vision what you can do to help your friend. On this little journey be aware that you want to help this person and not bring her to open up. I’ve used some sources to help you bring this topic nearer. If you want to read the full articles the links are down below;) Now let’s get right into it. First steps to help a friend:
So these I’ve read these first steps in a really good article recently. Hopefully it’ll give you a little bit inspiration on what to do for this special friend.
First steps…
#1 Don’t Force Your Help on Them
#2 Only Offer Help That You Are Genuinely Able to Give
#3 Don’t Assume You Know What’s Best For Them
#4 Be Someone They Can Trust
#5 Listen More Than Talk
#6 Validate Their Emotions (Letting someone know that they are not alone and being open to what they want to share is an important step)
#7 Just Show Up
#8 Be a Good Listener
#9 Spend Time With Them
What if this person doesn’t open up to you?
Well, be patient. Your goal isn’t that this friend opens up to you. No, you want to help them. So be patient and don’t make them feel like you’re putting pressure on them. Be someone that they can lean onto in rough times and someone that they can trust even when they at first need some time to realize that. Give them safety and thank them for already telling that something hard is on their mind. They already have that tiny bit of trust in you to tell you that something is going on with them. In moments like these you have to realize what you have and not what you haven’t. Thank them for all the times that they’ve been there for you and let them know that you’re now also there. It’s not about you it’s about their problems. That may sound harsh but keep that in mind;)
How to support a friend through it all:
For someone going through a tough time, one of the most helpful things you can do is listen. If you suspect someone you know is dealing with tricky issues: approach them and let them know you’re there. Find a suitable time and place to talk to them.
So to best support a friend or family member, you could say I’ll support you no matter what, or I’ll support you either way. I’ll support you, no matter what you decide. I’ve got your back.
How to support others:
#1 Practice active listening. Active listening is just that: active
#2 Don’t compare
#3 Ask what you can do
#4 Keep your word
#5 Don’t judge
#6 Know when more serious help is needed
How to give good advice:
Of course these short advices don’t fit to every situation. Be careful when choosing good advices for a friend who is in a dark situation right now. For example don’t tell them that they should stop being sad. Try to be understanding:)
#1 Dreams remain dreams until you take action
#2 Treat others the way you want to be treated
#3 When you quit, you fail
#4 Trust your instincts
#5 Learn something new every day
#6 Make what is valuable important
#7 Believe in yourself
How to be a good friend:
#1 Be Trustworthy #2 Be Supportive #3 Accept Them As They Are #4 Actively Listen #5 Be Emotionally Available #6 Show Up During The Tough Times The Links: https://www.lifehack.org/280700/8-ways-really-help-friend-need https://www.medicinenet.com/how_to_help_someone_who_is_struggling_emotionally/article.htm https://www.bustle.com/p/11-qualities-that-make-a-good-friend-according-to-experts-9496234 https://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/25-excellent-pieces-of-advice-that-most-people-ignore.html https://headspace.org.au/blog/supporting-someone-through-a-difficult-time/ https://www.speakconfidentenglish.com/show-support-in-english/ https://www.vitalitygroup.com/insights/how-to-support-others/
So this was it for today:)
I really hope you liked it and follow for more content like this. Also share your thoughts on this post in the comments if you want;)
Have a nice day and keep believing in progress,
En ✨
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