4 ways to simply help others
A numerated list felt right this one time
When your family, relatives, friends or anyone dear to you experiences hardship, naturally you want to help. But what is the best way to do it? I was inspired to write this article/list after a colleague of mine said that she was about to have a nervous breakdown because of the people who were supposedly helping her during hard times.
1) Offer the kind of help you’re willing to give. Don’t say you’ll be there if you know you don’t have the time or energy.
2) Know your role. If you haven’t been a confidant to the person who could use some help and you’re not a mental health professional, then you shouldn’t offer to be a shoulder to cry on. Perhaps helping with the groceries, helping to keep the apartment clean or providing some thoughtful home-made food is a better option.
3) Don’t give unsolicited advice. This one doesn’t require much explanation. If you’re not an expert on the problem and haven’t been in a similar situation yourself, your opinion does not count. Unless the other person specifically asks for it.
4) Say you are sorry. Empathize, sympathize, but do not force them to look on the bright side. Sometimes it’s okay to just be sad.
Help because you want to. Not because it’s expected of you and just to be done with it. Think before you try to help!
