Car Deals

There’s no doubt that these are tough economic times.  Perhaps you’ve had a loved one or a good friend who has recently been laid off from their job?  If so, what can you do to encourage them and keep their spirits up?  We have listed a few suggestions below.

• Listen.  Your unemployed friend is under a lot of stress.  Sometimes he/she needs to vent about what happened and how he/she is dealing with it.  They need someone who will simply listen to them without offering any judgment, blame or suggestions.  This friend doesn’t need to hear what he/she could have done to prevent the lay-off or what he/she needs to do to find a new job.  Just simply listen and acknowledge that you are interested in what he/she has to say.  Just let your friend “get it off her chest”, so to speak.
• Steer clear of platitudes. The last thing your friend needs to hear is something like “Well, you were working too many hours on that job, anyway.” or “You’ll find a better job.”  Even if these statements may be true, they don’t need to hear this kind of talk.  Don’t try to be unreasonably upbeat.
• Think ahead.  When your friend is ready to talk about the future, be available to help him/her brainstorm about some ideas that will help him/her find a new job.  Don’t force the issue.  Just let him/her know that you are available if/when they want to discuss the future.
• Maintain normal contact.  Don’t bug your friend to death.  And don’t steer clear of them.  Try to keep a normal mode of contact in place just as you did before he/she lost their job.  Let them know that you are available 24/7 if they need you, but don’t be a pest.
• Pray.  If you are a religious person, don’t be afraid to pray for your friend and don’t be afraid to let him/her know that you are praying for him. 

If you truly care about this person, they will know it by your actions and words.  Just don’t overwhelm them.  Give them a little space.

Donna is interested in writing as well as reading and listening to music. She is also learning how to build websites. Check out her latest effort related to Picture Framing Tools at www.pictureframingtools.net.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/friendship-articles/encouragement-in-tough-times-1462095.html