How Do You Encourage a Friend?

Have you ever gotten a phone call from a friend(or child) that was in some sort of trouble? It could be something really serious to something imagined or anywhere in between.

"You are calling me at this time for that?" might be your first thought as you look unbelievingly at your clock. But you know you can't say that or it would crush them and something minor could be major before the night is through.

Or maybe there is a real dilemma and you are the first person she calls. You listen as panic fills her voice and spills over to the space around her. What do you say to ease the emergency and help your hurting friend?

The first step is to listen attentively. You don't have to have all the answers, but your presence is sometimes all that is needed. Asking good questions about how they feel and letting them talk about the problem might be all that is necessary for a person to figure out what they need to do next.

Then give them hope with your words. "I am here for you. Things will get better."
John McLeod says "...words can be a powerful healing tool if used with loving intention, to uplift, encourage and inspire." Do you know the right words to say to encourage others in a positive way?

Don't ever give up on your friend or family member. Brooke Shields explains the powerful support from her family finally made the difference for her. "There were times I must have seemed impossible to reach. And yet they kept trying and they eventually did reach me."
For a list of encouraging words to support friends and family, see How to encourage