Acknowledgment is the essential step in giving comfort. Here’s a Golden Rule of communications: “They won’t care about what you know until they know you care.”

Start Here

<aside> ⚠️ Important note: The FIRST step in comforting someone is listening. After letting them share their perspective, then you acknowledge their pain.

</aside>

• When comforting someone, it’s great to commiserate to show connection, but be careful not to spend too much time sharing every detail of your experience. This moment is about them. Oversharing can feel invalidating sometimes.
• Be patient, as those in pain and grief are not in full possession of their rational brains. Active listening, emotion, and empathy are the first steps to getting through to them.

Talking Points