How to show true compassion in challenging situations
No matter how wonderful life can be, the reality is that it can oftentimes be extremely challenging, giving some people more than they can take.
Many hurdles and obstacles can be overcome, but when you lose someone you love, that loss is massive and irreplaceable. If you know somebody who is currently dealing with this, you’re probably unsure what to do or how to act. There is no general rule for them as far as this goes, and there are no right words that will make them feel drastically better.
What you can do is take a couple of steps that will help you help that person cope with this loss as much as they can.
Flowers can make a difference
Sometimes, you do not need to move the mountains or do anything huge in order to show someone that you understand what they are going through and that you’ll be there for them. There are numerous ways you can showcase your deepest sympathy.
So what are the most effective options in these types of situations? A vast majority of people send funeral flowers in these instances because, with them, you can create a memorable and warm atmosphere. By doing so, you are showing to the family and friends of the deceased that you are here for them every step during the grieving process.
There isn’t a better way (referring to the material things) to show how compassionate you are and that you honestly care.
Just listen!
At times, there isn’t much you can do, but simply listen to them. In these situations, words may be redundant. They do not want your advice and/or solution to their problem (because they know that you cannot bring the person they’ve lost back), but just to listen to whatever they have to say.
Focus on their feelings, words, and silence as well, and most importantly, do not ever interrupt them because it may look as if you couldn’t care less about anything they are trying to say, or that you aren’t paying enough attention.
Even if they say nothing at all, that’s okay too, because, frequently, silence can be louder than actual words, and people who are grieving want nothing more than to have someone who’ll just sit with them in silence.
Nothing worse than fake positivity
There’s nothing worse than being fake positive in challenging situations, particularly, when a person you know and love loses someone who was close to them. People tend to spread so-called positivity (which is extremely toxic) and, at the same time, practically not allow the other person to grieve normally, or at all.
When you tell someone that they need to feel a certain way, then you are almost pressuring them to hide and/or avoid their feelings, which may prevent them from seeking the necessary help and support from others.
Consequently, what you need to do is avoid displaying any fake positivity because that can only be counterproductive.
No one can ever predict what life will throw at them, both good and bad. What you can do (if someone you know is struggling) is to give your all and be a great supporting system in their time of need.
