Supporting someone
What to say when a friend brings you a problem: start with how they feel, and ask before you give advice.
Lessons
- Help someone through a hard time: start with how they feel
Acknowledge how it feels, then let them choose what they need.
High and Dillard, Communication Studies, 2012 - Respond to a friend venting: say how it feels, then ask
When a friend has a problem, say how it feels and ask about it before you suggest anything.
Feng, Communication Research, 2014 - Give a friend advice they want by asking first
Ask what they want before you give your take.
Goldsmith, Communication Monographs, 2000