When Someone You Know is Going Through a Hard Time

When someone you know is going through a hard time, shoot them a text and say, “Hey! It looks like you’re going though a hard time. I’m thinking about you” (and to quote Brene Brown), “What would support look like for you right now?”  

When someone you know is going through a hard time, say a little prayer or hold them in your thoughts for thirty seconds, a minute or two.

When someone you know is going through a hard time, send them an email and fill that email with things like, “You got this!” “I’m in your court!” “I stand with you!” Flavor it with a little bit of who you are, minus the certainties and platitudes and promises that everything is going to be all right.

When someone you know is going through a hard time, say “I’m so sorry you’re going through a hard time.” Hard stop. End of sentence. Put a cork in it – you’re done.

When someone you know is going through a hard time, offer to drop off or have a meal delivered to them through a meal-delivery service. (We tend to think Uber Eats and Munchery are quite magical). 

When someone you know is going through a hard time, ask them if they need a hug. And if they say yes, give them a hug.

When someone you know is going through a hard time, ask them if they want to talk about what’s going on. If they say yes, listen and nod and acknowledge how hard it sometimes is to just tell the truth.

When someone you know is going through a hard time, remember that we’re all fighting a battle at one time or another – and that all of us are in ample need of grace, every hour of the day.

When someone you know is going through a hard time, let them cry if they need to cry. Crying is a good thing, even if it’s hard for some of us to see or receive.

When someone you know is going through a hard time, ask them for their address if you don’t already have it. Then, pop a card or a care package to them in the mail.

When someone you know is going through a hard time, offer to connect them to the people in your circles and networks that might be able to help them out. 

When someone you know is going through a hard time, feel the feels along with them – tag them in an Instagram post, for example, that speaks to these hard times and lets them know that they’re not alone.

When someone you know is going through a hard time, text them a joke or a funny memory of the two of you. Maybe what they need is to get their mind off that hard thing, just for a second.

When someone you know is going through a hard time, invite them over for a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Ask if you can treat them to lunch or just sit across from them at a coffee shop.

When someone you know is going through a hard time, don’t be offended if they can’t be the friend you need them to be right now. They’re going through a hard time and hard times are, well, hard.

Finally, when someone you know is going through a hard time, just do or say something …even if that something makes you feel a little uncomfortable. Because sometimes just feeling like someone sees you when you’re going through a hard time is worth it all. 

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Are you going through a hard time? I see you and I’m sorry you’re going through a hard time. Otherwise, what else would you add to our list? Post your answer in the comment section!