No one likes to see other people sad. If that person is your friend, you can't sit still looking at him. Maybe she just had a fight with her husband, failed to get a job promotion, lost someone she loved, was recently diagnosed with a serious illness, or had some other sad event that made her grieve. He is lucky to have a friend like you to get through these difficult times. Here are some ways to comfort a grieving friend.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Listening to Her
Step 1. Ask him what makes him sad
Ask him if he wants to talk about it or not. You can say, "I see you've been sad lately. Why?" Maybe he really wants to talk about it but is waiting for you to mention it first. Therefore, try to hear his response. Try to be quiet and not interrupt him. You shouldn't try to give advice unless it's asked to.
If he doesn't want to talk about it, respect his wishes. Maybe he was feeling too sad at this point and felt like he would lose control of his emotions if he brought it up. Maybe he just needs time to digest his situation and feelings. Give him some time and let him know you'd be willing to listen if he wants to talk about it
Step 2. Support him emotionally
Remind him that he is a great person and that he means a lot to you. When she shares her pain, acknowledge her feelings. You could say something like, "I understand, it must be painful. I'm really sad that you have to go through this." Continue to show kindness to him and comfort him. Continue to act as a loyal friend. Now is not the time to abandon or avoid it.
- Don't share your friend's problems with other people.
- If he asks for advice, give it.
- If you don't know what to say, you can suggest telling someone else who can offer advice, such as a trusted friend, family, or a professional.
Step 3. Try to understand what your friend is going through
If you can't understand it, just try to listen to it. You can cheer him up without having to support a situation you don't really agree with. Don't judge him and make him feel even worse. For example, if she's sad because she just had a fight with her husband, don't say, "I told you not to marry her."
- If you can't say anything to back him up, try to say that you will always be there for him.
- Don't belittle her feelings.
- He will feel better if you squeeze his hand and hug him.
Step 4. Try to be patient
Maybe your friend is going to be a little grumpy and annoying, and she could be mad at you. Don't take it to heart. Try to ignore it and tell yourself that your friend is not being herself. He's under a lot of stress right now and you know what he really looks like when he's happy.
Method 2 of 3: Remind Him to Smile
Step 1. Get him to laugh
You can do silly things together. Play music and dance silly. Rent a funny movie and watch it with him. Tell him some funny jokes. Try inviting him to reminisce about funny memories together.
Step 2. Take her somewhere fun
Invite him to shop together. This activity can be fun. Take him to lunch where you can chat or he can be among other people. Think about your friend's personality and hobbies. Try asking yourself, "What can I do to cheer up my friend and distract her? What does she like to do?"
Maybe at first your friend refuses your invitation. Maybe he said he didn't want to go anywhere. Try to persuade him and tell him that he doesn't have to be alone in this sad time and he will feel better around other people
Step 3. Buy him a nice gift or card
This gift could be something as simple as a box of candy, a bottle of body moisturizer with a nice scent, or her favorite flower. A heartfelt greeting card that alludes to the problem he's having can also help. Any of these things can send a message to your friend that you value him and think about him when he's going through a difficult time. This thing can also distract his mind, although maybe only temporarily.
- This action you take provides evidence to your friend that there are people in this world who care about their feelings of sadness and want to help them.
- Your friend will remember what you did for him when he was alone and feeling down.
Method 3 of 3: Becoming a True Friend in Time of Grief
Step 1. Offer to help him do the job or task
Try asking him if there's anything you can do to help him. Offer to watch over her children while she tries to deal with her grief. Offer to buy him the things he needs and/or cook him some food. Offer to clean the house. If his parents are very sick, offer to be with him when he takes him to the doctor.
Step 2. Let him know that you are always there for him
Maybe he needs some alone time right now. Go with him, but let him know that he can call you when he needs it, any time. If he accepts your offer and calls you at two in the morning, make sure you answer him and listen to his story. If he needs to see you at three in the morning, get out of bed and go to his house.
Don't forget to call her to say hi and ask how she is and how she is feeling
Step 3. Try to talk to your friends
Find friends who are your friends who can provide additional support and entertainment. Don't share all the problems your friend has told you and asked to keep secret. Try asking your friends first if you can tell them about the sadness you feel and make sure what you can tell.
Step 4. Advise your friend to seek professional help
If your friend's sadness continues, if this sadness interferes with his life, if you can't cheer him up, it could be quite a serious problem. It could be that your friend has depression that requires medical attention. Try to be honest about your concerns. Advise him to consult a professional. Take him to see a counselor or therapist and if necessary, take him there.
- If you think your friend is suicidal, seek help immediately. If you are in the United States, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
- If your friend is having a medical crisis, if you are in Indonesia, call 118 or 119.
