Beyond Sadness Helping Your Friends Smile Again

I Just Want My Friend to Smile Again!

Made You Smile Back is pleased to present this post, ‘Beyond Sadness – Helping Your Friends Smile Again’.   How many of us know a dear friend, perhaps even a couple or more who are currently struggling with sadness or depression?  

One of the most dynamic and thoughtful things one can do, is making the effort to make someone smile and brighten their day.  It’s nice to be nice.

It takes someone who really cares, who is authentic and be willing to put in the effort to make a genuine difference when trying to make someone happy.

This post, Beyond Sadness – Helping Your Friends Smile Back, will provide meaningful ways of how you can help your  friends  (or family) struggling with sadness and despair to find their way back to be able to smile again! 

Show Them You Truly Care!

I don’t care how sad or depressed someone is, everyone wants to feel happier.  Your friends want to know they are both appreciated and loved.  Always – no matter what –  greet them with a smile and make sure you call them by their name.  Ask them how they are and that you are thinking of them.

Be emotionally supportive by letting them know you will always be there for them.  And know that in times of grief, patience is a virtue.  

Hugs are one of the most overlooked powerful gestures we can give to one another.  It not only shows that you care, but they are truly healing.  That said, it is both important and respectful to always ask first if its okay to give them a hug.   Some may not be ready for it or its simply a culture thing.

But do know this… just by the mere act of ‘asking’ will make a strong impact to your friend.  Try it and be prepared for a positive response!

Be in the Present!

Let’s try our best and get beyond their sadness and make that effort to get them to smile back again.  One way to do this is by learning to be a good listener.  Be in the present with them.  And by all means, PLEASE put away your cell phone.   This tells them when they’re talking, that you value their thoughts and you’re giving him or her the attention they deserve.

And please try your best to refrain from interrupting them.  ALWAYS let them finish.  This is one of the best ways to make people feel good about themselves.  And who knows, perhaps you will learn why they feel the way they do that you didn’t know beforehand.

Listen, it works.

Reach Out!

With the modern technology of today, there’s not a better time than to take advantage of using social media! You know and I know, we all like to hear that familiar ‘ding’ announcing to us to let us know someone is sending a message.  Call, text, Facebook, or even email your friend(s) and engage with them in meaningful conversation!  And yes, as a second reminder, don’t forget to address them by their name.  

For some people, messaging via social media actually allows them to ‘open up’ more than they would have if in person.  Not everyone, but for those who are somewhat introverted, this is an excellent option to help those who need this type of engagement to connect and have meaningful dialogue. 

And remember, you know you’re getting thru once you see that all too familiar smiley face icon! ?

Surprise Them!

When is the last time a friend suprised YOU?  It was an instant pick-me-up wasn’t it?  And come on now, you know you had to be smiling when receiving it!  

Flowers will never go out of style.  Women love flowers but so do men and boys and girls!  Plants, succulents or anything related to gardening are all ideal choices to make someone get their smile back!

And what about tickets?!  Yes!  They can be to a sporting event, theater, concert or even a comedy show!  And with tickets, you’re getting your friend up and out the door to engage in an activity that brings fun back into their life. 

Priceless… 

Help Get Their Passion Back!

I remember in the not too distant past, one of my best friends was simply ‘stuck’ in her sadness and despair.  I had to think of a way to bring back joy into her life! 

With the help of her daughter and a couple of her church friends, we arranged for a picnic at the park.  And… to get her back to one of her favorite passions we all knew she had, we told her that she was to bring desert!

And boy was it the best desert ever!  My friend Ellen made the most delicious Red Velvet chocolate cake with homemade decadent cream cheese filling!  And who do you think was smiling ear to ear when she brought it to the picnic table!   Uhhh-ummmm!

So.. maybe your friend is into music or crocheting or sports… whatever it may be.  Remember their passion and invite them to get ‘back in the game’.  Trust me, when someone gets their passion back and they’re doing what they love, this is beyond happy!

You Too become happier!

When one gives of their time and is generous towards their family and friends, a great blessing is also bestowed on them.  When you’re trying to make someone happy and get their smile back, you will find yourself being graced with happiness as well.

So here’s a big thank you to anyone who is out there in the world making people smile. It is a truly admirable thing to do.  There is nothing better than to see someone who was ‘down in the dumps’ find themselves back to smiling again and having joy back into their life.

For additional related posts, please check out:

“Why Can’t I Just Be Happy”,

“Finding Happiness – 5 Easy Steps to get Your Smile Back”

If anyone has any stories about how a simple gesture has made someone smile back, then please leave a comment below.  I would love to hear your story!