There is perhaps nothing more confounding than sitting across from a single friend who is perfectly eligible yet perennially single. As you search for ways to encourage and support, and brainstorms ways for her to “get out there” it’s almost impossible not to bring up online dating. But should you? Sure there’s still a bit of […]
The Great Compliment Experiment: Part 1
Accepting Compliments Part One: What not to do… I get nervous when people express their esteem, respect, affection, or admiration for me. My usual response to compliments is to avoid them. That streak of color you see running to her car after she talks in front of people…yep that is me running away from compliments. I was […]
How to comfort a grieving friend who has lost a close loved one
In my job as a pastoral minister, I often work with families who are grieving. So when I consider the title of this post, I’m moved to comment—first of all—on what NOT to say to a friend who’s lost a loved one. So I’ll begin there and move on to some helpful things to say. […]
How to be a good friend to a family with a special needs child
I’m not a professional provider of services to people with special needs, only a mom of a child with Down syndrome. As much as that qualifies me to give advice, here are my tips for being a good friend: Use “people first” language. People with disabilities are people first, and identifying them by their disability […]
What to say (and NOT say) when visiting a friend or family member in the hospital
From the Editor: There’s something about stepping into a hospital elevator that makes many of us feel uneasy. So we asked our guest contributor, Maureen Otremba, to help us make a hospital visit as comfortable as possible, for you AND the friend you’re visiting! My work as a church minister includes making hospital visits to […]