Friendships hold significant significance in the life of any individual. Friends are the ones who consistently stand by our side, ready to lift us up when we stumble, perhaps with a bit of laughter beforehand. Whether you're venting about your less-than-ideal job one day or sharing the joys of a wonderful relationship the next, your friends are there to listen, just like true friends should. But when they need you in their life, are you a reliable friend in their time of need? Let's explore how to be that dependable friend.
Spending quality time with your friends at your favorite café and engaging in life and work discussions might be part of your usual routine. Alternatively, you all might prefer sharing a pizza while watching a football game, passionately cheering for your favorite team. Regardless of your preferred pastimes with your buddies during your downtime, there may come a time when one friend in your circle is going through a tough phase and requires your support. They might be grappling with relationship issues or, even more challenging, battling with depression. During such trying moments, they need a friend in need, someone who can provide support and a listening ear, helping them realize that it's not the end of the world.
However, even in the strongest of friendships, many individuals fail to recognize the importance of helping their friends during such critical times, rather than giving up on them. With this in mind, we are here to guide you on how to be that indispensable friend when the need arises.
Be Specific while Offering Help
When you use the vague phrase, "Let me know if there's anything I can do," it's quite likely that your friend, who is in desperate need of help, won't find this statement very effective. The reality is that they may be suppressing their emotions and not reaching out for assistance because they fear appearing vulnerable. During such times, even everyday tasks can become overwhelming for them. Therefore, it's crucial to be more precise when offering your help. For instance, you could say, "I'm heading to the supermarket; would you like me to pick up a few things for you while I'm there?" Offering specific assistance is more likely to be accepted by your friend.
Offer Help that You can Genuinely Give
While your desire to assist your friend in every conceivable manner is commendable, it's essential to recognize that some situations may be beyond your control, and it's crucial to accept this reality. For example, if your friend has lost their job and you impulsively offer to find them a new one, even though you don't have the means to do so, you'll only end up disappointing them. Therefore, before you make any commitments to help, ensure that you can genuinely fulfill those promises.
Small Gestures Go a Long Way
Even if you and your friend don't reside in the same city, you can still provide meaningful support when you know they're going through a tough time. You don't always have to make a physical visit. A heartfelt card sent via mail expressing your care and concern can go a long way in lifting their spirits. Additionally, leaving a voice message to provide comfort and reassurance can make them feel better, even from a distance. You could also take the initiative to research and provide information about organizations and support groups that can offer them the help and resources they need to improve their situation as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
Every individual has friends they trust and depend on, but not all of them step up when genuine support is required. You have the opportunity to be that friend in need when your buddy needs you and your assistance. Whether you both live in the same city or not, you can always find ways to be there for them, providing help and support in various ways. This commitment to your friendship can endure for a lifetime, perhaps even until your last breath.
Written by: Deepti Dogra
Edited by: Aniket Joshi