Many individuals have been within the following state of affairs: You start opening up about your struggles to a good friend or member of the family, only for them to show it right into a dialog in regards to the one time they struggled with one thing comparable. The purpose is mostly that can assist you really feel much less alone, nevertheless it would not at all times come off as honest.
Whereas offering help from your personal expertise is nice, it is best to offer your good friend or cherished one the possibility to share their emotions earlier than citing your personal—this may remind them that you just’re right here to hear.
It isn’t at all times about discovering the proper phrases, Caraballo says, however extra about speaking a “spirit of care and concern” than the rest—and holding your consideration on them relatively than your self will enable you to accomplish that.
Now, in case your good friend or cherished one asks when you’ve got any recommendation, or in the event you can relate, then completely share your expertise. Simply do not make it the very first thing you say to them, as every individual’s expertise is exclusive, even when they appear comparable on the floor.
