Does it seem like the right words elude you when you’re trying to comfort someone who’s going through something hard? You’re not alone. Many people feel uncomfortable or unsure of themselves when they approach someone who’s grieving or struggling. In some cases, they may decide not to say anything at all because they’re so worried about saying something wrong or unintentionally offensive.
If you’re the type of person who clams up and feels awkward when trying to comfort someone, try not to be too hard on yourself. There are plenty of non-verbal ways to comfort a friend who’s going through something hard. From offering heartfelt sympathy gifts to helping with mundane chores, here are a few ways you can comfort a friend without saying a word.
Send Sympathy Gifts
Sympathy gift baskets are a thoughtful, nonverbal way to comfort a friend in need. Sending food gifts for grieving family members and friends can warm both their hearts and bellies while providing energy and nutrition. A soup care package can also relieve the burden of cooking meals when a loved one is already feeling overwhelmed with emotion.
When choosing a soup gift basket delivery service, look for one that allows you to include a personalized note. Many people find it easier to express their condolences on paper than verbally. Remember, your note doesn’t have to be lengthy to be meaningful. Even a simple message like, “Thinking about you, and I’m here to listen whenever you need me,” can be very comforting.
Listen Instead of Talking
If words don’t come easily to you in certain situations, there’s no need to force yourself to say anything. Instead, try listening to what the other person has to say. If they don’t want to be vulnerable or express their feelings, don’t force it. But if they do want to talk, be sure to listen with minimal interruptions. Let them know you’re a safe person to confide in and that you won’t pass judgment.
Before inviting someone to talk about hard things, make sure you’re in a safe environment that’s comfortable and free from potential eavesdroppers. Give them your full attention and use appropriate body language to show you’re listening. Avoid the urge to fill conversation gaps with unhelpful phrases or cliches like “everything happens for a reason.” These sorts of phrases can come across as insensitive and are often unhelpful. Besides, your friend may need short periods of silence to gather their thoughts and process their emotions.
Help With Mundane Chores
When you’re grieving or going through something hard, everyday tasks that used to feel mundane suddenly seem all-consuming. It may take all your energy just to unload the dishwasher or vacuum the living room floor. Having someone step in to help with these tasks gives more space for grief and healing.
If you want to comfort a friend, consider bringing them a sympathy care package to show your love. Then, while you’re there, offer to do something specific for them. It could be as simple as picking up their mail or as complex as spending the day helping them with housework. Ask them what they need done, then go to work making their life easier with each simple act of service you do.
Provide Humor and Laughter When Appropriate
If you’re not sure what gifts to send after a loss, you may want to consider humor. Laughter offers so many incredible health benefits, including stress reduction and improved emotional well-being. It reduces cortisol levels, enhances feelings of love and belonging, and even boosts cardiovascular health. However, not all people appreciate humor after experiencing a loss. Therefore, you need to use your best judgment to determine whether your friend might enjoy a little laughter and brevity during heavy times.
If your friend is open to a laughter session, you can get one started by watching a favorite sitcom together. Or you might send your friend a funny book so they can read it and laugh to their heart’s content after everyone else is gone. Comedy shows, funny reels, and even childish Mad Libs word games can also stimulate laughter and all the health benefits that come with it.
Take Care of Their Well-Being
Self-care items like bath bombs or body lotion make great sympathy gift ideas. They remind the recipient that their needs are important, too. When people grieve, they often feel overwhelmed or even guilty at the thought of focusing on themselves. Self-care condolence gifts send a nonverbal message that it’s OK to take a time out, relax, and heal.
Sending bereavement gifts isn’t the only way to take care of a friend’s well-being. You could also take them with you to social events, encourage them to resume hobbies they love, or help them schedule therapy sessions as needed. These are all great ways to show love and comfort when you aren’t really sure what to say.
Conclusion
Watching someone you care about go through something hard can be challenging, especially when you have no idea how to help them feel better. It’s OK to not know what to say when times get tough. You can still provide non-verbal support and love that will help your loved one feel less alone as they navigate loss and heartache.
Whether your friend has lost a loved one, been laid off, or gotten divorced, it’s important to be there when they need you the most. From scheduling condolence food delivery to giving the gift of laughter, these simple suggestions can help you comfort a friend when words fall short.