3 tips for offering your assistance

When someone we care about struggles with a life challenge, we want to offer help and meaningful support. But we also want to avoid sounding invasive or assuming help is needed when it isn’t. So here are a few suggestions for navigating that nuanced conversation.

• Be specific about your offer. Vague, open-ended suggestions can leave too many options to be considered.
• Be persistent. If your friend is experiencing long-term challenges, make your offers of assistance regularly.
• Offer a help trade. If someone is sensitive to asking for help or being a burden, offer to exchange little gifts of service. For example, trade errand runs or pet-walking chores to keep things equitable.