How to Support Someone Without Giving Advice

When someone you care about is going through a hard time, you'd probably do anything to help them feel better. Yet one of the easiest traps to fall into is offering advice too soon."We'll often jump into, 'How can I fix this? How can I say the right thing?'" says Alli Spotts-De Lazzer, a therapist in Chattanooga, Tenn. “But advice usually lands better after someone feels understood." Otherwise, rushing to offer solutions can leave people feeling dismissed instead of supported. Experts say the best way to show up is to help people feel heard first and offer guidance later, if they want it.Here's exactly how to support someone you love—without leading with advice.Ask yourself who you’re really trying to sootheBefore you say anything, run a quick gut check: "Is what I'm about to say going to