Spoonful of Comfort

How To Support a Friend Going Through a Difficult Time

Supporting a Friend

Friendship is the foundation of a well-rounded and happy life. Friends are there for each other through thick and thin and in good times and bad. There are many ways to show your friends you love them, but none are as powerful as supporting a friend going through a difficult time.

Whether your friend is near or far, a best buddy or a casual acquaintance, the following ideas will help you show your friend you care.

Comforting a Sick Friend

Watching a loved one suffer through an illness, even just an awful cold, can be stressful. You want to make them feel better, but what should you say? How can you help?

A Mini Sick Day or Get Well Soon Gift Package are great ways to show your friends you love them. Soup, tea, and cookies will help them feel comforted and well-nourished.

Supporting a New Mom

Having a first child is an exciting yet challenging and exhausting experience. 

Give the new mom in your life a little pick-me-up. Whether you aim for practical, pretty, or something in between, you can make her day with a:

Helping a Friend Grieve

Loss is universal and is difficult for everyone. Whether it is the loss of a job, business, home, pet, or loved one, the grief can be profound. As a bystander, you may struggle with what to say or do, especially if it’s someone you don’t know as well, like a co-worker or colleague.

Amy, a contributor for Spoonful of Comfort, offers these five suggestions for how to support a friend who has recently suffered a loss. She advises friends not to wait for an invitation and just “show up” instead.

“You don’t need to ask permission,” she writes. She suggests people deliver flowers, dinner, or homemade cookies. Friends who are hurting may be too distraught or proud to ask for help, but they’ll almost always appreciate it.

 

Making Someone Feel Special

Do you know how to show appreciation to your best friend? Make them happy by sending them a silly selfie or handwriting a letter describing a special memory between the two of you. Show up with red velvet cake and coffee, and offer to binge-watch their favorite streaming series with them. Or simply give them a hug. Research has found a hug can lower stress and fight depression. 

Sending Healing and Healthy Treats

Pre-made or DIY gift baskets are ideal for helping someone through a tough time. Gift baskets can be personalized based on the need, situation, and message theme. It’s a great way to show your friend you appreciate them because you know their likes, dislikes, and what they need most.

Does your best friend have the flu? Bring her a basket of cough drops, electrolyte drinks, and some homemade chicken soup. Is your golf buddy dealing with a tough situation at work? Send him a gift card for the golf range.

Care Packages Make the Perfect “Thinking of You” Gift

Holiday and birthday gifts are great, but sometimes the most cherished gifts are the ones we get when we least expect them. Opening a care package on a random Tuesday makes someone feel special and loved—exactly what they need when they’re feeling sad or sick. 

Plus, care packages not only benefit the people receiving them, but they help the people giving them as well. Studies have found that gift-giving brings us more long-lasting joy than gift receiving or even splurging on ourselves. 

No matter what comes your friend’s way, Spoonful of Comfort can help. Our savory soups and tasty cookies soothe the soul. Explore our dozens of themed care packages and send one to a friend today.