Friendship is an essential part of life, and one of the most important elements of friendship is being there for your friends when they are going through hard times. Supporting your friend through a divorce can be a great way to build your friendship and show them that they aren’t alone.
Send a Greeting Card
It can be especially difficult to know how to support your friend if you live far away, but through snail mail you can be a supportive friend and bring a smile to their face. A greeting card is a great way to show someone that you care about them and are thinking about them during a tough time. Everyone loves getting real mail, and there is something really special about a handwritten card in a time where so much of our lives are spent in front of screens.
Writing a card to a friend shows them that you are willing to spend time on them. It may seem like a small gesture but according to Paper & Packaging, sending a thoughtful card can have a big impact and help your friend feel your love.
Lend an Ear
It can be tempting to pull out all your advice when a friend is going through a divorce, but in most cases that isn’t as helpful as simply listening to your friend and providing a space for them to talk. According to the Law Offices of Lisa R McCall, divorce is a complex, stressful process that is often full of emotional turmoil and multiple issues that need to be resolved. By giving your friend someone to talk to, you can help them work through their issues and feel the support they may feel like they are losing. Divorce can make people question their worth, and having good friends can remind them that they are loved.
Continue Inviting Them to Events and Activities
During and after a friend’s divorce, it can be tempting to give them space and avoid inviting them to events. Usually this is out of a desire to not put pressure on them, but often this tactic can backfire. According to Introvert, Dear, even if your friend usually denies your invitations during their divorce, it is still a good idea to keep inviting them. This tells them that they are missed and can encourage them to accept your invitation in the future. It is always better to let them make the choice of whether to attend or not.
Helping a friend navigate their divorce can be complicated. But by showing your support you can improve your friendship and build towards an even stronger future.
Read this next: Taking a Healthy Approach to Divorce that Preserves Your Well-being
