Let’s face it—comforting somebody is not easy. Unlike happy occasions when you can greet them with “Congratulations!” there isn’t a reliable go-to step when a friend experiences misfortune. How do you act when someone’s down on their luck?
Comforting a friend is a tricky thing—everybody has different personalities and various ways of coping with bad situations. What may work for someone else may offend another. As a friend, colleague, or relative, it is essential to let them know that you’re thinking of them without stepping on boundaries or touching on sensitive subjects.
To comfort is to lighten someone’s load. You don’t necessarily have to make their situation better, but making their day a little brighter does help. Sometimes, simply letting them know that you care is enough to put a smile on their face.