How to help a grieving friend?

latetoschool
Fri, 04 Aug 2006 16:52:03 +0000

J, my recommendation would be to just continue to reach out, and, act, don’t ask.

For example, instead of saying or writing “I’m here if you want to talk”, simply assume dialog and begin talking. That way the pressure isn’t on her to admit “yes, I’d like to talk”, or to otherwise work to get to interaction.

If online is the only access you have to her right now, perhaps reach out to her on subject matter outside of her mother’s loss and other problems - send her something interesting, more cheerful, or perhaps some item of interest on current events that you both share. Or ask her about her upcoming classes, etc., any topic that steers her onto productive, positive, forward-looking activities and events.

She’s going to be grieving for a while; you’re a good friend to be concerned and looking out for her.