Monthly Archives: February 2013
Helping the Sufferer: Giving Reassurance
In the same way that our advice may be premature, so also may our reassurance. In our efforts to assuage the suffering of our loved one or friend, we reach out by offering hope of a better future. Because we … Continue reading
Helping the Sufferer: Giving Advice
When someone close to us feels distressed, we learn to live with our sense of helplessness while we wait for some signal from them that they seek our comfort. Not that we’re totally passive, but in the midst of our … Continue reading
Helping the Sufferer: Motivation
If someone we love or care about has experienced a significant loss, we want to help. We may even feel the need to help. As a friend we can provide enormous support, encouragement, and hope. One way we can err … Continue reading
Helping the Sufferer
When someone we care about goes through a particularly difficult loss, we usually want to help. Sometimes they ask to talk with us, but often they don’t. Perhaps they have some other trusted friend or relative they’ve already selected to … Continue reading