Tell Us Now: 18 Ways To Actually Help A Friend Through A Hard Time

Employers, give more paid time off.
Tell Us Now: 18 Ways To Actually Help A Friend Through A Hard Time

We asked Cracked readers on Facebook, “When you were going through a hard time, what was the most comforting thing someone said or did for you?”  We saw the most common responses included “just being there” and offering paid time off. Although all these are personal to each person and their circumstance, here are 18 examples to help inspire you to be a better friend to your loved ones.

TELL US NOW. THE SPACE TO YELL Kate S. says, On more than one occasion, someone has provided me a space to literally just yell really loud... Their car. Taking me to the forest. Just the act of making space to let go and freak out for a moment is underrated... CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. PAID TIME OFF Brandon L. shares, When my wife was fighting breast cancer, my plant manager at the time could see the worry and stress I was going through trying to take care of her and get to work on time, so he told me not to worry about it, take as much time as I need to be with her and paid me out of his own pocket. I greatly needed those few weeks off: I learned how to properly take care of her and how to deal with the stress it caused for both of
TELL US NOW. VALIDATION Abby J. tells US, When people kept telling me, 'It could be worse, a friend said this to help validate how I felt: 'Just because the person next to you is dying, it doesn't mean your broken arm doesn't hurt. CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. DON'T LET THEIR WORDS HURT YOU Jennifer P. says, I lost my mom when I was 17. A couple from church came to get me that first Sunday, knowing it was going to be hard on me. They also shared some words I never forgot and actually did need to use. They told me that people are going to want to comfort me, but sometimes the words are not going to be right. Maybe even painful not knowing everything that I do about my mom, ect. Don't let those words hurt, let them go, say thank you,
TELL US NOW. A CARING TOUCH Jamie L. shares, My wife had to have neck surgery where they went in from the front of the throat. Excruciating surgery. Crying in pain post-op. The most kind and caring nurse I have ever seen came in and nearly pressed her forehead against my wife's, whispering to her while she rubbed her temples until she calmed down. Was an amazing show of empathy for a complete stranger. Nurses are amazing! CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. PUPPY LOVE Rob W. says, My dogs and cats just sitting there with me was really more quality than anything people ever did. (Not to say people didn't make an effort it just wasn't as good.) CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. YOU'LL SURVIVE THIS lona R. says, I was in a psych ward after my first manic episode and one of the nurses said, 'Sweetie, this is not going to be the scariest day of your life. Worse things might happen to you. But you'll survive it because you've survived every worst day you've had. You're ever brave, and you're going to be okay. CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. THIS WILL PASS Kaylie H. found it helpful when someone said, This will pass. It may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass. CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. HELP HER MEMORY LIVE ON Tom N. shares, When my sister passed away aged 6, my parents told me to look out for aspects of her personality in people (me, my parents, etc.) because that's how her memory truly lives on. It was over 20 years ago and I still catch myself spotting them. I see it so much in my daughter. CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. LISTEN TO JOYS Eric S. tells US, When I was going through a depression, closing in on my 40th birthday, thinking I didn't accomplish as much as I wanted and that I was farther away from my youth, then ever, I called my Dad. He said to me, 'Life isn't about equity or parity. Life is simply about turning your list of grievances into a list of joys. Some people don't realize that until they are much older, but the sooner you get to listing your joys instead of your grievances, the faster your life is going
TELL US NOW. I AM HERE FOR YOU Rebekah M. says, When our daughter was born prematurely and passed away the best thing anyone said was simply 'I am here for you.' They knew words could not comfort but their actions would. So they supported US and lifted US up during the worst moment of our lives. CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. IT HELPS ME TO HELP YOU Samuel R. had a friend who said, Every day when you call me I get the ioy of helping someone through a hard time. Thank you for letting me help you. CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. ACTS OF SERVICE Lyndsey M. shares, After we lost our son our friends came together for US. They made food, did shopping and even just came to sit with US in silence. I am forever thankful and grateful to each and every one of them. CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. A FRESH START Kate S. shares, When my ex left me with bills, the phone company rep put the phone (a landline back then) in my name so I could start fresh. What a guy! CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. FOOD DELIVERY Matthew C. says, My mother-in- law had taken our daughter out for the day, and they came back with the call of 'Here come the cheer-up fairies!' with my wife's favorite ice cream and my favorite beer. CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. PERSPECTIVE JeriAnn C. says, When I found out I was pregnant at 17, with my mom crying uncontrollably in the corner, our family doctor said, 'If this is the worst thing to happen to you in your life, you will be one lucky person'... that has stuck with me for 27 years now. CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. YOU ARE STRONG MDB says, A friend came to see me and he said, 'Dude, looking at you no one would know the shit you have been through and are going through...t that makes you the strongest person I know.' Then we went out for a few beers. Woke up the next day, I told myself am going to prove him right. Here I am. CRACKED.COM
TELL US NOW. CLEANING THE HOUSE Kimberly L. says, When I was in the hospital for my third pregnancy loss in a row (an ectopic) and my friend went to feed the dogs for US, I apologized for the mess... and then I came home to a spotless house. CRACKED.COM
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