If your mates are talking but you’re not hearing them, it’s time to step up.
Are you listening?
this is not a drill.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Friend just told you that work is stressing them out?
Mate not answering the door when you’ve made plans?
Are they struggling after a nasty break up?
It’s time for some real talk.
Let’s be real for a minute. When was the last time you asked a mate not just how they were doing but, you know, how they were really doing? You know what it’s like.
Your mate is struggling but you’re not quite sure what the right thing to do or say is. It can be tempting to brush it off and not ask in case things get awkward.
This is not a drill. It’s time to step up.
We’ve got all the info you need to make it easier to talk about the stuff that really matters.
“How you gonna act like you can’t hear him?”
It sounds simple: but listen to them. Use those ears. Give them the space and opportunity to tell you what’s going on. Be patient - let them take the lead and allow them to open up at their own speed. Don't be afraid of a bit of silence, it can help them to open up more and give you a full answer.
Remember, even though it might feel uncomfortable at first, you actually want them to tell you the difficult stuff. It's tempting to ask in a way ('You're fine, aren't you?') that gives an easy 'I'm fine' answer, but that's not what you're looking for here.
“A little bit of conversation could lead to the big reveal”
You know your mate better than anyone - so keep it natural and be non-judgemental. That’s the best way to show you have their back.
Let them know you’re there. Yeah, it might be awkward at first. But it could also be the most important conversation you ever have.
But that doesn’t mean you need to dive straight in. Maybe keep it light to start - you are just mates having a chat after all. You might just want to meet them where they are or invite them to hang out somewhere you know they’ll feel comfortable.
And don’t worry about finding the perfect words to say – there is no right or wrong, just be there and let them know they have your support.
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