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Grief & Loss

How to support a friend who is grieving

Those who are grieving the lose of a love one need time to mourn in private and sort out their feelings. However, for them to cut off the outside world completely for an extended period of time could be detrimental to their well-being. As a friend you may feel apprehensive about saying or doing anything for a grieving friend for fear that you will say the wrong thing, but here is a few suggestions in proving helpful to your friend.

* Avoid saying, "I know how you feel". Though, you may be at a lost for words, this is one of the worst things you can say. Even if you have been through a similar situation, we all react differently to the death of a loved one. Therefore, you do not know how your friend is really feeling.

* Do not avoid your friend because you do not know what to say. Your presence alone, is strengthening to them.

* Be the energy for a weak and grieving friend. Prepare a meal for your friend. Run errands for them. Ask them how you can be of help. Even if they do not accept, just the gesture can strengthen them during this trial-some time.

* Show sincerity. For the reason that, it will be a while before your friend can find normality in his or her life, be attentive to their needs in the months to come.

As a friend you cannot heal a broken heart, but you can definitely bring real comfort to your grieving friend.

Learn more about this author, Janay Walker.
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