How to Comfort a Friend

When a good friend feels sad, you want to comfort and lend a shoulder to cry on. But sometimes people are unsure of what to say and that can lead them to uttering the wrong thing or nothing at all. If a friend needs comfort, read the following suggestions on how to help them.

Instructions

1. Listen. When a friend feels lost, desperate or rejected, he may need to vent his emotions. Follow his words closely, even if he rambles. Comfort by listening patiently and wait until he's all "cried out."

2. Concentrate on positive things. If a friend has lost out on a job opportunity, focus on her skills and the possibility that one of her upcoming interviews can yield the perfect position for them. Talk about what's good in her life, whether it's family, her financial situation, her apartment or friends. Make her realize that she's experiencing a temporary setback.

3. Hug your friend. Let him know that you're always there, no matter what. Tell him to call you when he needs to talk.

4. Offer practical help. If a friend has lost an apartment, let her stay with you for a few days or weeks. Bring them fresh baked cookies or take her to dinner. Do something nice and unexpected for your friend.

5. Comfort a friend by including him in group activities. A depressed person may retreat into a shell, but getting him involved in social situations may help him to forget his problems.