what to say to your friend who is going through a hard time?
69281
["'you shouldn't feel this bad'", "'you're over-reacting'", "'it's not as bad as you think'"]
816039
['Thank you for your sympathy and kindness.', 'We deeply appreciate your expression of sympathy.', 'Thank you for your support at this difficult time.', 'Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.', 'We are grateful for friends like you at this time of sorrow.']
664672
['Surround yourself with a circle of support. You need loved ones to help you get through these tough times. ... ', 'Accept not having an answer. It\'s natural to ask the question "why?" over and over again. ... ', 'Take care of yourself. ... ', 'Take one day at a time. ... ', 'Comfort yourself in your sorrow. ... ', 'Do something.']
1363261
['Stay calm. If you feel nervous, your friend will read the situation as awkward. ... ', 'Keep the conversation short. Too much small talk leaves you with less time. ... ', "Don't expect an answer right away. Your friend may need some time to think. ... ", 'Ask at a good time. If your friend is having a bad day, wait until later.']
719086
["Ask Them If They Want Help. First off, find out if the person you're trying to cheer up actually wants your help! ... ", 'Simply Be There for Them. ... ', 'Take On a Creative Project Together. ... ', 'Leave Your Friend a Handwritten Note. ... ', 'Swing the Blues Away. ... ', 'Go Get Some Ice Cream. ... ', 'Do Whatever They Want to Do. ... ', 'Volunteer Together.']
665968
Let them cry, rant, talk as long as they need to. Your friend is relying on you to be there for them in their time of need. If necessary, give them space to safely release any physical tension they may be feeling. Try not to tell them to stop crying, or yelling, etc. unless it seems that they are getting more upset.
1413068
Comfort your friend by telling them about a time you or someone else you know struggled and needed support, and tell them how you/someone else went about getting help to feel better (but – avoid focusing the conversation on your problems since this may feel uncaring). They can feel better.
1360648
['“Thank you for all you do for us, but now is a time to take care of yourself as well.” ... ', "“I'm proud of you.” ... ", "“I hate that you're going through this, but I know that you've got this.” ... ", '“Remember when you were there for me? ... ', "“Here's how we're going to take care of your work while you're away.”"]
235104
['Can I help by doing x y or z? ... ', 'This is a temporary-yet-painful situation. ... ', 'It IS hard to imagine a way out of this mess. ... ', "I'm here to listen whenever you need me. ... ", "I'm so glad we're friends. ... ", "I'm sorry you have to go through this."]
1457732
['Listen. It is important to be a shoulder to lean on and one thing your friend needs at that moment is someone who can just listen. ... ', 'Be there.', "Don't victimize. ... ", "Don't compare yourself. ... ", 'Engage them in activities they like. ... ', 'Be patient. ... ', 'Focus on what helps your friend feel better.']
956079
See the situation from the person's perspective and try not to dismiss their problems or feelings as unimportant or stupid. You can say things like: "I can see you're going through a tough time." "It's understandable to feel that way given everything you've been going through."
985795
“I feel your pain.” (Do not say, “I know exactly how you feel.”) “How about a hug?” (Or just give them a hug.) “I'm here for you.” (And then be there.) “I'll bring you some lasagna next Tuesday.” (Or offer another specific way of helping.)
766583
["“I'm Glad You're Okay”", "“I'm Here For You if You Need Anything”", '“How Are You Feeling?”', '“What Can I Do for You?”', "“Don't Be So Upset. Cheer Up!”", '“You Should [Insert Advice]”']
972585
["I'm sorry you are going through this tough time. ... ", 'I think about you all the time. ... ', "I'm praying for you. ... ", "You're so strong to go through all this. ... ", 'You have a great team of people behind you! ... ', 'I love you! ... ', "I'm going to bring you a _____."]
928824
["“I'm Glad You're Okay” Car accidents are not easy for anyone involved. ... ", "“I'm Here For You if You Need Anything” ... ", '“How Are You Feeling?” ... ', '“What Can I Do for You?” ... ', "“Don't Be So Upset. ... ", '“You Should [Insert Advice]”']
53285
['“I am so sorry to hear about your loss. ... ', '“May (name) rest in peace. ... ', '“Thinking of you in these difficult times.”', '“My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ... ', '“Thinking of you, wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain.”']
82278
["“I'm sorry.”", "“I'm so sorry for your loss.”", "“I'm sorry to hear the news.”", "“I'm thinking of you.”", "“I'm not sure what to say or do but I am here and I am so sorry.”", "“Please let me know if there's anything you need.”"]