- Be Empathetic
Psychology Today recommends using phrases like, “You are in a tough situation”; Sounds like you’re between a rock and a hard place”; or “I’m so sorry you have to face this kind of problem right now.”
Now, be sensical when showing empathy. If a friend loses a child, and you have never experienced that, don’t pretend you know what that feels like. Instead, offer sympathy for their pain, but be clear that you can’t relate to what they are going through.
No one wants to feel alone. Sharing tears with a friend who is hurting is more supportive than any amount of advice can be.