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How to Comfort Someone You Love: Here's What to Do Instead of Patting Them on the Back
07.03.2024 21:49
Sometimes, in an attempt to console a crying person, we awkwardly pat him on the back and say some banal things.
For this reason, we decided to put together some tips for you that will really help you comfort your loved ones, support them, and express your sympathy.
I know you're going through a hard time right now.
Understand that an upset person does not expect specific advice from you - instead, it is important for them to know that they are not alone and that someone understands them. Therefore, your first step is to describe what you are feeling at that moment. With this phrase, you will make it clear that you really see what the person you care about is experiencing right now.
It happened to me too
The next thing to do is to demonstrate that you are not only aware of your loved one’s experiences, but have also experienced similar feelings yourself. But be careful: when sharing your own experience, do not pull the blanket over yourself – it is enough to briefly mention your past and inquire about the state of the interlocutor.
Tell me what happened
Even if you understand that the person needs to find a way out of a difficult situation, let him talk first. Your job is to be an attentive listener. To encourage the interlocutor to open up, ask him to tell you what happened.
It's nothing
But this phrase, on the contrary, should not be said - what in our eyes looks like a trifle, for another person may seem like universal grief. Therefore, do not try to minimize the suffering of your interlocutor.
Earlier we talked about how to refuse relatives who pester you with requests.
