You can support friends in these three ways.
Life is a journey filled with constant change, from kids growing up and leaving the house to facing divorce or retirement. These transitions can be tough to navigate, and as friends, we often wonder how we can provide the best support during these challenging times.
Kelly Jensen is no stranger to significant life changes. She’s bravely shared her own experiences, and she inspires us with the confidence to support friends, no matter what life throws at them.
Find more inspiration from Kelly on Instagram, @kellyejensen.
How to Support Friends Through Life Transitions
Be a Frontliner in Your Friend’s Life
Kelly emphasizes the importance of being on the front lines of your friend’s life during challenging transitions. This means understanding their daily responsibilities and offering assistance where it’s needed most. Whether it’s helping with dinners, childcare, or other daily tasks, your presence and support can make a world of difference.
She shares her own experience when her friends organized themselves to take care of her kids’ schedules while her husband was in the hospital. This simple act of kindness provided her with much-needed peace of mind during a difficult time. It’s a reminder that even the everyday becomes extra heavy when life takes an unexpected turn.
Take Charge and Offer Specific Help
Kelly highlights the importance of offering specific help rather than just asking, “what can I do?” When friends are going through challenging times, they might not have the energy or clarity to delegate tasks. Take the initiative to lend a hand. For example, organizing meals, carpooling, or assisting with daily responsibilities can be a tremendous help.
She also emphasizes the power of being specific in your expressions of care. Share heartfelt messages that focus on particular qualities or memories. This personal touch can provide immense comfort and reassurance to your friends during tough times.
Remember, It’s Not About You
Lastly, Kelly reminds us that when friends are going through significant life changes, it’s essential to remember that it’s not about you. Everyone copes differently, and your friends may exhibit various emotional responses. Some might become short-tempered or distant, while others may withdraw.
During these times, holding grace for your friends is an act of kindness. Understand that they may not always respond promptly or engage as they usually would. Simply sending a message to let them know you’re thinking of them and love them unconditionally can go a long way.
Life’s major transitions can be challenging, but having supportive friends can make all the difference. You can provide invaluable support to your friends during their times of need. Remember that it’s the small acts of kindness and heartfelt gestures that truly matter when helping friends through life’s big changes.
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