Here are some friendly tips to ensure your friends feel safe when sharing intimate details when seeking help. Photo Courtesy: iStock
1. Be attentive:
When your friend is sharing something important, put away distractions of all kinds. Make eye contact and show through your body language that you are fully present.
2. Be patient:
Allow your friend to express herself at her own pace. Don't rush or interrupt. Sometimes, it takes time for someone to open up about their vulnerabilities.
3. Validate their feelings:
Let your friend know that their feelings are valid and important. Use empathetic statements like, ‘I can see how that would be really tough for you,’ or ‘It's completely understandable that you feel this way.’
4. Practice active listening:
Practice active listening by nodding, offering verbal cues like ‘I see,’ ‘Go on,’ or ‘Tell me more,’ and using reflective responses to show you're engaged in the conversation.
5. Avoid judgements:
Refrain from passing judgment or offering unsolicited advice, especially when your friend is sharing something sensitive. Instead, focus on understanding and empathising with their perspective.
6. Respect their privacy:
If your friend chooses not to share certain details or prefers to keep some aspects of their vulnerability private, respect their decision.
Photos Courtesy: iStock
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