health
Stop saying 'let me know if you need anything,' says psychologist—how to talk to a friend who's struggling
"We often feel most loved by our friends when they show up for us in times of need — and most betrayed by them when they don't," says psychologist Marisa Franco.
TL;DR
- Avoid telling friends "Don't cry" and instead invite them to share their feelings, validating their emotions.
- Refrain from saying "You have to be strong" and instead validate their current feelings by saying "However you're feeling is okay."
- Instead of "Let me know if you need anything," offer specific help like "Can I pick up your groceries?"
- Do not tell friends to "Get over it" as there is no set timeline for healing from difficult experiences.
- Avoid ghosting or saying nothing at all; a simple "I was just thinking of you" can mean a lot.