We understand the weighty sensation when it seems your best friend's world is falling apart. Sometimes, simply being there can be the most powerful kind of support. I recall how painful our separation was at the time. I just came up with pizza and corny movies; we didn't analyse the relationship. She let it all out for a few hours, and we laughed and wept (mainly at the movies). She wasn't instantaneously healed by the end, but she felt a bit lighter knowing she wasn't the only person involved in the mess. That's the beauty of friendship: sometimes, all anyone needs is someone to lean on, an individual to listen to, and constant support that they have your back no matter what.
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Answered 2 years ago
when my friends are feeling down I ask them what is wrong. I let them vent and listen to the whole vent until they are finished. While I am listening I am thinking of ways how I could help my friend out. Once they were done I asked them if I could provide a suggestion if they didn't mind. If they say yes they would like to hear my suggestion I share it with them. If they say no I was just looking to vent, I leave it alone and agree with them or say that is a bummer. Depending on the scenario of course the response would be different.
Hello, I’m delighted to share my psychology skills. This response provided by Susie Strachan, Contributing editor of Best in Winnipeg. Best in Winnipeg is your ultimate guide to becoming an informed consumer in Winnipeg. We do all the heavy research to find out if a service is the right one for you — so that you don’t have to.I enjoy learning and writing about ‘all things Winnipeg’ for the Best In Winnipeg team. I’m a lifelong reader and writer with a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Manitoba. Tough times are unavoidable. All of us will experience a trying period from time to time, whether it is due to illness, disaster, crisis, or a breakup in our relationships. We are more dependent on one another at such times than ever before, yet being surrounded by others is insufficient. It is important for us as supports to learn the best ways to show our friends and family support at difficult times. Be Mindful of Your Words There are some things that someone going through sorrow would not want to hear. Think carefully about what you say to your friend. Refrain from finding positive aspects of the situation, attempting to make things better, or requesting more information from your buddy than they are prepared to provide. The best course of action, if you're not sure what to say, could be to just listen and be silent. Never make it about you Don’t whine about how you feel because of your friend’s difficult situation. You will be impacted if you are close, but if they are more familiar with the issue than you are, you shouldn't rant to them. Rather, you need to assist them. Make sure they're okay. Love them. Allow another person to assist you. Listen Actively Considering what they've said, listening intently to the meaning behind their words, and reacting in a way that conveys your understanding of what they're trying to say are all examples of active listening. Your friend might not always need or desire your response, or sometimes they might not want it at all. Hold onto your views, opinions, and suggestions until your buddy extends an invitation for you to participate in the conversation. I and The Best in Winnipeg dedicated staff are happy to provide more information if needed. Susie Strachan Contributing editor of Best in Winnipeg