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Learn to use your words as a soothing balm for others
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Finding the right words to console someone who’s going through a difficult time can be challenging for anyone. Depending on how close you are to the person, there are different things you can say to be sympathetic and show them you care. Take a look at some of the ideas on this list and choose whatever seems most appropriate to you the next time you want to console someone using words.
Things You Should Know
- Acknowledge the person’s pain by saying, “I’m sorry you’re going through a difficult time right now.” Sometimes, a person just wants to be heard!
- Ask the person how they’re feeling and allow them to vent to you by saying, “I know you’re going through a lot. How are you feeling about everything?”
- Offer your support to them by saying, “Is there anything I can do to help?” or “What’s something we could do together to brighten your day?”
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat do you say in a difficult situation?Connell Barrett is a Relationship Expert and the Founder and Executive Coach of Dating Transformation in New York City. Connell has over five years of experience as an international coach who helps men connect with women by unlocking their best, true, most confident selves. He is the author of the Amazon bestseller “Dating Sucks but You Don’t,” and has appeared on Good Morning America, the "Today" show, Access Hollywood, and in Best Life, Cosmopolitan, and The Oprah Magazine. In 2019 he was named Datezie.com's “New York City’s Best Male Dating Coach."Offer a listening ear and be as empathetic as possible. Don't try to "fix" a person's problem—above all, a hurting person just wants to be heard.
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References
- ↑ https://www.cancercare.org/publications/67-how_to_help_someone_who_is_grieving
- ↑ https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/your-feelings/supporting-someone-through-pregnancy-loss/
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2018/support-that-works
- ↑ https://cmhc.utexas.edu/bethatone/friendscopingsuicide.html
- ↑ Connell Barrett. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 24 September 2019.
- ↑ Connell Barrett. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 24 September 2019.
- ↑ Connell Barrett. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 24 September 2019.
- ↑ Connell Barrett. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 24 September 2019.
- ↑ https://cmhc.utexas.edu/bethatone/friendscopingsuicide.html
- ↑ Connell Barrett. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 24 September 2019.
- ↑ https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/lifestyle/health-fitness/article/3072562/how-comfort-someone-who-sad-hurting-or-going
- ↑ https://www.caringbridge.org/resources/how-to-console-someone/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/laugh-cry-live/201810/10-tips-offering-real-comfort-people-in-crisis
- ↑ https://www.cancercare.org/publications/67-how_to_help_someone_who_is_grieving
- ↑ https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/your-feelings/supporting-someone-through-pregnancy-loss/
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