What else could I do for you, besides saying, “that sucks, friend”? Asking seriously.
I can offer you advice based on my own experience, that may or may not work for you.
I can refer you to talk to someone who has a professional degree in studying feelings, who may be able to help you with better advice than me or prescribe drugs.
I can sit, nod, pat you on the back through words.
If it is someone I know in person, I’d try to send them care package based on what I would think they liked.
Saying “that sucks” is probably fine to say but it’s not my first choice.
Really the best thing you can do is show that you’re listening while they open up. I interpret that as listening mostly and making brief comments (something you can say in 5 seconds) relevant to their story.
Guess that’s basically point 3 in more detail.
The practical stuff is cool too. It shows you care
What else could I do for you, besides saying, “that sucks, friend”? Asking seriously.
If it is someone I know in person, I’d try to send them care package based on what I would think they liked.
I’ve found Brené Brown’s way of describing empathy, and imo answering this question, helpful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HznVuCVQd10&t=89
Thanks, that is helpful.
Saying “that sucks” is probably fine to say but it’s not my first choice.
Really the best thing you can do is show that you’re listening while they open up. I interpret that as listening mostly and making brief comments (something you can say in 5 seconds) relevant to their story.
Guess that’s basically point 3 in more detail.
The practical stuff is cool too. It shows you care