For many of us, we hold our friends just as close to us as we do our family. There will always be highs and lows along the way too, and if your friend is going through a divorce, being there for them throughout the process is key for keeping their spirits up. It can be hard to know what to say and what not to say during this time, so here are five meaningful ways you can support your pal through proceedings.
Be Patient
When your friend announces they’re getting divorced, they may not be ready to share the ins and outs right away. You need to understand that they will be going through all sorts of emotions, ranging from sadness to anger, so you must be patient and accept that it may take time for your loved one to open up to you.
When you do sit down with your friend, they may take out their anger on you, so instead of retaliating and making things worse, make sure to take a deep breath and remember why they’re acting out of character.
Also Read: Staying Healthy Through A Difficult Breakup
Don’t Interrogate Them
It’s normal to want to know exactly what has happened to cause your friend to divorce. However, pressing for details (especially in the early stages) may do more harm than good.
It can be easy to ask the wrong question which could push your friend further away, so try to be careful with your words. There may be only so much your friend is willing to disclose, so let them take their time explaining their situation.
Give a Gift
Giving a gift to a loved one going through a divorce can boost their spirits and keep them feeling positive. You don’t have to splash out on anything fancy.
Instead, a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, or a pair of funky socks from funatic.com can lighten the mood, add some humor, and help your friend in the best way you can to get through their divorce.
Keep Communication Lines Open
If your friend is going through an online divorce during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may not be able to visit them in person and give them a big hug. Thankfully, there are lots of ways you can keep in touch such as by using FaceTime or Skype.
Make sure you keep communication lines open, so your friend knows there are people out there who care for them. If they aren’t close to their family, you will be one of the most important people in their lives.
Also Read: How To Deal With Anger After Breakup – Easily N’ Effectively
Be Honest
To help your friend through a divorce, it may be time to be open and honest with your feelings. In some instances, a bit of tough love is needed to get your friend back on track. If there is anything that you must get off your chest, it’s best to do so rather than holding it in.
None of us want to see our friends go through a divorce. However, when you factor in that over 2.4 million divorces occur in the United States every year, you may find yourself in the predicament of having to support your friend. No matter what you do, make sure you give plenty of love, support, and guidance to help your friend get back up on their feet.
Counseling
Counseling is one other way to help your friend understand what is good for her. Counseling services can help you in getting your friend through the rough phase of life and help her make the right decision.
