How to Be a Supportive Friend
When people describe their closest, most-valued friends, they often use the term "supportive" to describe them. Being supportive is an integral part of being a good friend, and it is not hard to do. The following are some common sense guidelines to help you be supportive.
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Instructions
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Listen. The most important thing you can do to be supportive is to listen when a friend has a problem or simply wants to describe what is going on in his life. Listening doesn't necessarily mean offering advice or a solution to a particular problem; rather, it simply allows your friend to feel as if his challenges are important.
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Offer encouragement and positive reinforcement. Let your friend know why you think she is special and that you believe that she has the skills and resources to overcome obstacles. This does not mean lying or offering false enthusiasm, but you should be your friend's fan, not a detractor. This also means you should refrain from offering excessive criticism, even if you believe it would be constructive.
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Be accessible. Being supportive means being there, even if you are far away and can only communicate by phone, email, or some other method.
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Show up. Your friend is having a party? Be there to help set up. He is in the hospital? Stop by to visit. Being supportive means physically being present if you can be and offering your help and encouragement in good times and bad.
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Comments
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frankiejesson
Jun 11, 2009
i really understand how to be a suportive friend becuase i am one at school, and i know how hard it is to encorage people to make up if they have had a fall out with another peer, so don't think it is easy because its not!!
