Supporting Your Friends Through Tough Times
A friend is one who walks in when others walk out.
- Walter Winchill
Being a friend during the good times is easy. It's a no brainer to go to the movies with your friend, to have dinner or drinks together or talk on the phone for hours - or as long as your kids will let you do so.
It's a little bit more difficult to be friends during the tough times. I'll never forget the time that my best friend miscarried. I held her hand while she cried, brought her dinner and dessert and found a book that remembered her pregnancy. She was touched, and told me that it was more than anyone else did for her. That shocked me - why wouldn't someone support their friend?
It can be tough to be there in times of difficulty. You have to reach beyond yourself, to go into a difficult place and many of us are uncomfortable with that. That's what a true friend is, though - someone who is there with you in times of good and times of bad - much like your spouse.
Do you have a friend who is going through a tough time?Job loss? divorce? Fertility issues? Difficulty with her teenagers? Do you want to be there but just don't quite know what to do? Here are some ways that you can be supportive to your friend:
- Listen - Above all, be there to listen to your friend, without reservation and without judgement. Don't use this time to tell your friend what you would have done in her situation, or how you've handled a similar scenario. It's not a time for you. It's a time for you to support your friend. There's a big difference.
- Be There - Does she need someone to talk to at 3 a.m.? That might not work for you- but maybe it does. Tell your friend that if she needs you, you are available at this time - and be there. Don't screen your calls, or fail to return messages, or ignore emails. If you say you'll be there, be there. That's often the most critical form of support a person needs - just your presence.
- Show Support - Does she need a dinner brought to her? Would a nice card lift her spirits? Maybe flowers, or candy, or just an email to say I'm thinking of you! Who doesn't love to feel as if they are important to someone else, and often the tangible signs are gratefully appreciated.
- Be Positive - Even if you've battled infertility or infidelity and your outcome hasn't been successful, that doesnt' necessarily hold true for your friend. Try, as much as you can, to keep things positive, or at least neutral, especially in cases of divorce. I know of at least three scenarios where I've heard of someone divorcing, I've been vocal in my distaste for her spouse - and they've gotten back together. Which left me with egg on my face each and every time.
What are some situations that you've been a source of support for your friend? How have you shown this support?
One of my best friends is a constant worrier. I love her to death, but she can get very negative sometimes and overwhelmed easy. I just try to listen to her. I don't know why, but she never gets on my nerves. No matter how much complaining, crying or feet stomping. We have been friends since we were kids and I just love her spirit. She is a sensitive person, who sometimes gets hurt more easily than others, but when she is happy her almost childlike manic happiness is very contagious. She is sunshine to be around on good days. During her bad days she is actually very easy to cheer up, usually she is just lonely and wants me to come over.
I just try to be there for my friends. I let them know all the time if they ever need anything to call me.
Going to the Mall
- Carmen S
on Aug. 22, 2011 at 12:00 AM