Reminder: 24 non-wrong things to say to the sad person in your life

Just in case you are not sure how to proceed ...

24 non-wrong things to say to the sad person in your life

1. Can I help by doing x y or z? Or is there something else I can do?

2. This is a temporary-yet-painful situation. It won’t always be like this. And bloody hell, you are right, it DOES suck.

3. It IS hard to imagine a way out of this mess. We can think about where to start chipping away together after we eat these biscuits.

4. I’m here to listen whenever you need me. No matter when or why.

5. I’m so glad we’re friends. Remember your x, y and z (insert character traits and strengths) are what brought us together? So pleased I met you.

6. I’m sorry you have to go through this. *insert hug*

7. What are your thoughts on what’s going on and why it’s like this?

8. Sorry if I sometimes say stuff that shits you, but know that I’m here and I want to be the best pal I can be for you. Let me know if I stuff up so I can learn to do better.

9. It’s so good to see you here. I know you’ve got a lot of stuff going on. So glad that the planets aligned today and we get to hang out.

10. Can I take your pet/child/partner/housemate out for the day?

11. Can I take you out for the day? For a drive? Get away from the usual and sip cold wine in a gastropub or some-such?

12. Here are some dumplings for you.

13. If you need someone to co-pilot with you at the GP, I’d be so happy to be that person.

14. I’ve made you something delicious. When can I leave it on your doorstep/kitchen table?

15. Can I come over and take you for a big walk? We can look at trees and stuff quietly, or we can talk… or not.

16. I can see you’re trying your best. That’s all you can do. Nice one.

17. I think this might be an Uncle Buck/Ghostbusters/Young Ones-and-hot-chips-and-g-and-t kind of day. What time should I bring all the laughs/carbs/booze over?

18. So today was a bit of a cock-up. Meh. It’s okay to be messy. Forgive yourself and hope for a radder tomorrow.

19. You have a nap. I will tidy up and make dinner.

20. Can I assist you to find some more help with this? I think some extra support might offer a fresh perspective and maybe a little relief.

21. I’m not sure of the best way to help, but here is a bottle of Prosecco and some tissues. Where shall we sit?

22. It’s not okay that you’re having to endure this. I’m here to help in any way that makes sense to you. Let’s start small. I wonder what small thing can we do to shift things a bit?

23. I’ll call you again tomorrow to see how you’re going. (repeat daily)

24. Yes. Sometimes pets ARE the most supportive people. So true.

First published here.