“When you meet someone, treat them as if they were in serious trouble, and you will be right more than half the time.” - Henry B. Eyring
Each person has personal challenges and concerns. It’s a part of life. But how great would it be if we could help out each other with these life trials?! You can make the difference in someone’s life by being there for them.
Here are seven things that you can do to make a difference.
1. Prioritizing
Investing in a relationship with someone is going out of our way to make them a priority. I enjoy it when someone sits next to me when they could have easily sat by someone else. I admire when people make plans to see me without me having to be the one to reach out to them. Be that someone who sends a text letting others know that you are thinking of them. Those little moments of outreach make all the difference.
2. A Way With Words
The words we say are important. I cannot insult someone and expect them to feel good. However, in other situations, a common phrase can take on a myriad of meanings depending on how it is said. Consider factors such as intonation, body language, context, pauses, and inflection. Depending on the combination in which this is done changes completely the dynamic of the conversation. Simply put: They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
3. Lending An Ear
I think I sometimes fall into the mistake of thinking that I need to say the right thing to make everything better. But that is not true. When I am hurt, I don’t care about hearing the ‘right’ thing, what I care about is being heard. I care that someone is trying to understand, even if they can’t. They let me know that they care for me. That makes all the difference.
4. Being Present
According to studies, there are five main love languages, one of them being physical touch. However, physical touch is not what actually contributes to the assurance that someone cares for you. Rather, it is the inward sentiment manifested through physical touch that holds value. Just as important as the thought is the action that follows.
5. Time Together
More important than the amount of time spent together is the quality of time spent together. I could sit with someone for hours in silence if that is what brings them comfort. However, if the time spent with someone only brings harm then why bother spending it with them anyways. Leave people better than when you found them.
6. Open Communication
Being open with others can be hard. However, sharing the things that matter to you demonstrates that you trust that person. And trust goes a long way. This does not mean go and tell everyone your deepest secrets and the inner workings of the mind. But if there is something you want to say, say it.
7. Keep Trying
Being there for someone puts you in a position of vulnerability. This is why it is greatly valued and cherished. The only way to learn what it means to be there for someone is to interact with people everyday. Will we get hurt along the way? Probably. Will it be uncomfortable? Sure. But should we keep trying? Absolutely, yes.
