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What Not To Say To A Sick Friend

Who hasn’t felt awkward, uncomfortable or even worse said the wrong thing to a friend with a chronic illness? Maybe you felt a bit frightened by the illness and personalized it. Or you got nervous and talked too much, dwelling on the person’s symptoms, interrogating them about the details. Perhaps, you felt that you needed to adopt the role of a cheerleader leading the sick friend to a healthy victory. Wouldn’t it be great if you simply knew what would be appropriate to say, but even more important what not to say?

Here are common forbidden phrases and conversation topics to avoid:
Your best cues come from listening. Pauses in conversation are fine. Sometimes people like to just express their own reality, and enjoy your company even without speaking, just holding hands: No advice necessary! As a good friend, you can contribute by asking what you can specifically do to help during a treatment or recovery period like, do some driving errands, bring over a few meals, or help with household chores.
For more information on managing your stress and reclaiming your life read my book, Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life. To listen to archived radio shows with guest experts visit Turn On Your Inner Light Radio Show



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Content copyright © 2013 by Debbie Mandel. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Debbie Mandel. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Debbie Mandel for details.



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