Things You Can Do to Help The People You Love
Help Your Loved Ones Thrive in Times of Joy and Struggle
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We all have people in our lives that we love and care about. We want them to be happy and healthy. We want to help them when they struggle and celebrate when they succeed.
But sometimes, supporting others is more difficult and complicated, especially during moments of struggle, grief, and hardship. Even if we have the best intentions, we may not always have the best effect.
For example, you may know someone who is struggling to get their life together. You want them to change for the better. You want them to see the errors in their ways.
But if you tell them everything they’re doing is wrong, you are only going to hurt their confidence and put your relationship in jeopardy.
So, what should you do?
How do you offer support without overstepping their boundaries or compromising their independence?
In this article, I’m going to tell you some ways to encourage and support the people you care about most. Being there for others isn’t always easy.
Sometimes, supporting a loved one requires a lot of time and hard work. But with love and patience, you can ease their burdens and help them get back on their feet.
Listen with Love
Offering support isn’t just about saying the right things. We often try to give advice and guidance when the best thing you can do for someone is simply listen.
You’d be surprised how many people feel unheard and overlooked every day. They may not think anyone cares about them or understands their problems, so they keep their feelings bottled up inside. What these people need most is someone who is willing to listen.
So, support your loved ones by lending your ear. Go out of your way to ask how they’re feeling. Really listen to what they have to say and ask questions that encourage them to explore their feelings further.
Just by empathizing with the people in your life, you’re making them feel loved and seen — and that’s more helpful than you’ll ever know.
Tell Them the Truth
Sometimes, people tell us what they think we want to hear. If we ask a difficult question, they offer a soft, polite approach that carries less meaning.
It makes sense why people do this — usually to try to make you feel better or avoid conflict — but in times of struggle, we need someone to tell us the truth. If you want to help the people you love, be a source of openness and authenticity in their lives.
When they come to you with a problem, speak your authentic truth. Tell them your honest opinion because that’s probably what they really want to hear. While telling the truth is important, the way in which you tell it is also very important.
Speak with compassion, empathy, and sensitivity. If they come looking for your perspective, tell them how you really feel. But along the way, be mindful of their feelings.
Invest Your Time
Supporting someone you love doesn’t have to be hard or emotional. Most of the time, what people need isn’t an intervention or a heart-to-heart chat.
What they need is someone who stands by their side, keeps them company, and helps them enjoy life again. If someone in your life is having a hard time, go out of your way to plan something you can enjoy together. Share a meal. Go for a hike. Enjoy a hobby you both share.
These are all ways you and your loved ones can spend quality time together. Even if you don’t do or say anything, investing your time lets them know that they’re loved.
The Power of Acceptance
We are our greatest critics. When we do something wrong, we often come down very hard on ourselves. We only see the bad, even when the good is just as important.
To help your loved ones, give them validation and support, which they may not be able to give themselves. Accept them for who they really are, quirks and all. By offering acceptance, you’re encouraging them to accept themselves.
Remember Your Role
Loving someone can be frustrating.
You want them to do what you think is best for them, but they don’t always listen. Sometimes, they get in their own way. Sometimes, they make bad choices and undo all the progress they’ve made. While it’s frustrating to watch, it isn’t your job to make their decisions for them.
If you really want to help someone, let go of the reins. In other words, remind yourself that you are not in control of their life. It’s good to offer honest advice when they ask for it, but be mindful of your role in the relationship.
Offer them support, but don’t be dictatorial in telling them how to live. You may not agree with their choices, but they are their choices to make.
Be Their Cheerleader
Sometimes, people get down on themselves. They adopt negative narratives and lose faith in their abilities. When this happens, their motivation dwindles, their confidence fades, and they stop pursuing the things they care about.
If this sounds like someone in your life, be a voice of support, positivity, and encouragement in their life. In other words, cheer them on from the sidelines.
Let them know that you believe in them and give them words of encouragement as they make progress toward their goals. Ideally, they should learn to encourage and find confidence within themselves. But if their confidence is already low, kind words from a friend or family member can help them get back on their feet.
It may give them the motivation to make an important change. It may inspire them to finally pursue a lifelong goal. It may not seem like much, but your support carries a lot of weight in the eyes of the people you love.
Encourage them to succeed, and they’ll know you’re on their side.
Thank you for reading till the end.
