A female friend just wrote this to me in an email (I am male). I have no idea how to respond to this. The last time I tried to console her (about something a bit more specific) I got accused of trying to fix her problems when I should have just been listening.
What's the best way to respond to this???
2006-09-29 04:32:06 · 15 answers · asked by Mars 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Friends
With a frowning smiley. She can't expect anything else from you with a comment like that.
2006-09-29 04:33:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a catch 22 type of question, especially in regards to females in general. Often they only want us to listen and validate their feelings, although other times they are seeking a straightforward and valid solution. In this situation, there is a lack of information. Since that is the case I would probably venture a response that asks "When did this feeling start?" This should initiate some dialog that you can use to get a better idea about what is going on or at the very least shows that you have received her comment and that you care enough to respond.
2006-09-29 04:39:24 · answer #2 · answered by the_green_grass_horse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some times that is all one wants, is someone to listen, you could say, I am sorry, I just feel sorry for you, I only had your best interest at heart. But I am here for you, any time you need someone to talk too! If at any time, you are able to express yourself to her, it will be a good idea to have her go to a doctor, it may be a hormone problem, and it hits woman at all ages. if not the doctor will be able to find out what the problem is. What a great friend you are!!
2006-09-29 05:06:35 · answer #3 · answered by roseannetb@verizon.net 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she said its for no reason in particular it sounds as if she may be suffering from depression unless you are sure she doesnt have other stuff going on why dont you try saying e.x i know someone once who felt like this and they just went to the doctor and never looked back.If she was a true friend she would appreciate the fact that you are trying to help her and were concearned about her .Goodluck
2006-09-29 04:44:00 · answer #4 · answered by lee b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be empathetic and tell her that everyone feels this way sometime. Tell her that you are here for her if she wants to talk and you hope she feels better soon. Tell her if it is persistent, and she can't seem to shake it, she may want to go to the dr. for a checkup. Sounds like she may be suffering from a little bit of clinical depression, but don't tell her that or you'll get accused of "fixing" things for her again. Sometimes all we need is to know we have a shoulder to cry on.
2006-09-29 04:37:11 · answer #5 · answered by kihteacher 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She sounds depressed and if it lasts a long time, you could take her for some counseling .....or just to her primary doctor. I did the same thing. I am on Zoloft now and doing OK. So be a good friend and keep talking to her. Be on the lookout for suicide tendencies.....withdrawl from people and tired alot and other symptoms that go along with depression....good luck
2006-09-29 04:35:38 · answer #6 · answered by lucy p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just listen, is hard I know, but with women they just need an ear and someone to be there.... if she ask you directly, find out if it happens often... she might be having signs of depression... women tend to have moments of sadness for no apparent reason
2006-09-29 04:35:09 · answer #7 · answered by Yiyo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there has 2 be some reason its hard to give support if there is no problem try and get her to open up it seems like she wants to but doesnt know how to ask
2006-09-29 04:36:59 · answer #8 · answered by kid 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont try to fix it, just hear her out. Everyone has days when they are just down and dont really know why. They just want someone to hear them and be there for them.
2006-09-29 04:34:13 · answer #9 · answered by julez 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just answer like this...."I've been like that before and I finally got out and went to hang out with some friends that cheered me up"....something of that nature.......show empathy and not solutions.
2006-09-29 04:39:49 · answer #10 · answered by voandginger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋