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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.
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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!
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!
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.
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! ?
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…
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!
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:
“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!
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may not lose much when we make a kind gesture, but it will make the receiver so happy! Here are a few kind gestures you can make that’ll brighten up another person’s day.
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I have lost some really great people in our life due to depression. I truly agree that being authentic and genuine is extremely important. Everyone needs someone they can confide in and if they choose it to be you that is an honour. Sometimes life is crazy busy but friends and family are irreplaceable and worth all the time in the world. I think the world has become such a lonely place compared to what it was even 30 years ago. I sure hope we are able to find some of that community again.
Thank you for this post. I have a friend who is suffering from depression and sometimes I just don’t know how to help her. Your post gave me a lot of ideas which I will definitely try…in fact, I will reach out to her right after this comment! 🙂
Kathleen, thank you for your kind comments. I’m so glad to be able to provide suggestions to help you reach out to your friend.
Great post Beth! This is something everyone needs with all that is going on in the world. Loved your tips on how to make someone smile or do a gesture that can make their day. Thank you for sharing as you made my day!???
Denise, thanks for your positive comments. Yes its a scary world out there these days and we all need to be mindful to help out one another! Many blessings to you.
This is very encouraging message and good reminder for how to best handle special circumstances with friends.
Yes, helping friend can be a rather delicate situation depending upon the type of friend you have. But all in all, I would like to believe when someone is feeling down, just knowing someone cares enough to ask about them, doe help. Thanks Mary for your comments.
You are so right! We rise by lifting others up. I am HUGE on the cell phone thing! It is so inportant to give your undivided attention to those you care for! Fantastic article!
Jillian. thanks for your great comments as Im typing on my cell phone to send this message!?
Absolutely love this post! I can totally relate to this because I am always the strong friend. Always. I am always being called upon to be strong for others. I am blessed though to have a great partner who always checks on me and a best friend that does as well. Great post!!
Thank you, Beth, for such a meaningful post! It’s a great reminder for me to reach out to those who are in need of some attention.
Ye Chen, Its always a pleasure to receive your comments. Thanks so much.
This was a very helpful article. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love this post. The information has great reminders that the little things make a difference; hugs, attention, staying in touch through social media.
These are practical things that we can all do to reach out in friendship!
Janet, thanks for your comments. Yes, I think we should use the power of social media to connect in a quick and easy way to our loved ones.
Hi Beth! I love this. My kids are still really young, but I am starting to teach them positivity. I always tell them to flash a smile not just to friends. I would like them to make a person having a hard day feel better with just a smile.
Donna, you are so right about just the mere act of smiling! There is definite power in a smile! Blessings.
these are such great ideas on an important topic!
Kathleen, thank you for your comments. Yes, it is such an important topic! Take Care!
I just had a tiff with my bestie and just reading this made me miss her. I can’t wait to call her now. This is a lovely post and I agree what you have pointed out here that we need to listen and I know I really need some improvement in that area
Suktara, what nice comments to share! Hope you and your bestie have a blessed day!
Love this! So inspiring, thanks for sharing ????
Danielle, thanks for your lovely comment! You have the best day ever!
Love this post! I relate to this because I am always the strong friend. As we know sometimes the strong friend never gets checked on.
Kwerkegal! Thank you for your comments. And I just want to say… from one strong lady to another… you’re truly amazing and it takes alot of
courage to put yourself out there like you do with your new blog! Stay true to yourself and all your ‘querky’ colors. Internet Virtual Hugs are
being sent to you my friend!!!
Danielle, thanks for your lovely comment!
We have a saying of ‘do something nice for someone, and not get found out.’ Random acts of kindness are fantastic, even for strangers. One of my favorite things to do is pay someone’s bill at Dollar General. The clerk and I have a ‘code’ we use so that person doesn’t know it’s me. So, many have been there for me at times of stress. Especially, you, Beth, Ava, Jeff, Theresa and Jeff! Love you all! Clay, is always doing things for me. He’s a great husband and friend. My days, ‘Sparkle’ all ways.
Awwww Andrea! Thank you for your comments. Random Acts of Kindness is fyll of blessings to all who both give and receive.