Inside: How to support a friend who’s going through a breakup. Collaborative post.
Supporting a friend who is going through a breakup is always difficult. Your friends and family always have the best breakup advice, and they will need all your support and care during this difficult time. What do you do if you are the friend they call on and you are unsure where to begin?
You might be moved to offer consoling words, but hold back out of fear of saying the incorrect thing, here are some of the best ways in which you can support a friend going through a breakup, in ways that will actually make a difference.
Check in with them and ask what they need help with
You could believe you know what your friend wants at that specific moment, but you could be mistaken. It is always best to ask what they need help with, this way you are able to support them in the most efficient way.
Sometimes people want solutions or may just be looking for a rant, so establishing this early is always best. People grieve in different ways, so make sure that you take this into account when supporting a loved one.
Accompanying them to do everyday tasks can be very comforting
A breakup can be emotionally taxing for all involved. In addition to any reflection and pondering of “what-ifs,” there are frequently restless nights spent in an empty bed and having to inform family, friends, and co-workers of the news.
There will inevitably be a few minor details that go overlooked throughout this painful shift. Some of the ways you can support them is by sending them a week’s worth of meal kits, especially if they don’t feel like cooking or are really feeling down. Helping them to make appointments, whether they be with a doctor or a hairdresser for a fresh look after a breakup can also help.
Distract them Doing activities and trying to distract your friend from their breakup is a great way to help keep their mind off feeling down. This could be anything from getting them a nice box of chocolates and having a movie night, to organising a city break with a group of close friends.
Getting out of the house, dressed for the day and helping them see how many people there are that care about them can help make the break up easier.