How to Tell a Good Friend That You Are Dying
Realize what not telling your good friend will do., Choose a pleasant and peaceful place to break the news., Start by telling them what a great friend they are., Be straightforward., Expect shock, tears and even silence.This is not bearable news for...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Realize what not telling your good friend will do.
He or she will be shocked and upset that you kept the information secret.
While you may be afraid of telling them for fear of scaring them or upsetting them, it is better for them to hear it from you than on the grapevine
- or worse: at your funeral. -
Step 2: Choose a pleasant and peaceful place to break the news.
A local garden or your own home are good choices.
It helps to be seated as this is never the stuff of strong legs.
Include coffee or a pot of tea to ease dry throats and provide a source of distracting comfort. , Recall that you have had both good and bad times together and have always pulled through and that now you have some news to tell that you want your friend to hear with good grace and understanding. , Do not beat around the bush but use clear language.
Tell your friend "Betsy, I have lung cancer and the doctor says it is inoperable.
I am dying.
They have given me three months to live."
Your emotions will be hard to control because you are telling a good friend you know you won't be talking to in a few months' time.
Use hugs and holding of hands as a sign of deep connection.
At a time like this, often no more words are needed but a great deal of comfort is essential.
At this point, there is no rulebook or how-to
- you will both do what feels right at the moment. , Your friend is in shock and may say things that don't quite gel with your needs or interests.
Just listen and let it flow out; it'll become quite clear later to your friend what she or he has said in moments of un clarity.
Your own emotions will be turbulent but it is best to try to not think "but I'm the one who's dying".
This doesn't change anything and will only embitter you. , Your friend will want to help and it is always a good idea to have something in mind for your friend to do.
This provides a sense of coping for your friend and also alleviates concerns that your friend may have about you needing assistance.
You might like to be driven to the doctor's weekly or to have your friend visit a little more often. , This is not the time for letting go of friendships and feeling self-pity.
The life you have remaining counts for everything and friendship is a vital part of the support, love and care that you deserve. -
Step 3: Start by telling them what a great friend they are.
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Step 4: Be straightforward.
-
Step 5: Expect shock
-
Step 6: tears and even silence.This is not bearable news for either of you.
-
Step 7: Let your friend speak and voice their emotions.
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Step 8: Ask for whatever you need.
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Step 9: Keep in touch with each other.
Detailed Guide
He or she will be shocked and upset that you kept the information secret.
While you may be afraid of telling them for fear of scaring them or upsetting them, it is better for them to hear it from you than on the grapevine
- or worse: at your funeral.
A local garden or your own home are good choices.
It helps to be seated as this is never the stuff of strong legs.
Include coffee or a pot of tea to ease dry throats and provide a source of distracting comfort. , Recall that you have had both good and bad times together and have always pulled through and that now you have some news to tell that you want your friend to hear with good grace and understanding. , Do not beat around the bush but use clear language.
Tell your friend "Betsy, I have lung cancer and the doctor says it is inoperable.
I am dying.
They have given me three months to live."
Your emotions will be hard to control because you are telling a good friend you know you won't be talking to in a few months' time.
Use hugs and holding of hands as a sign of deep connection.
At a time like this, often no more words are needed but a great deal of comfort is essential.
At this point, there is no rulebook or how-to
- you will both do what feels right at the moment. , Your friend is in shock and may say things that don't quite gel with your needs or interests.
Just listen and let it flow out; it'll become quite clear later to your friend what she or he has said in moments of un clarity.
Your own emotions will be turbulent but it is best to try to not think "but I'm the one who's dying".
This doesn't change anything and will only embitter you. , Your friend will want to help and it is always a good idea to have something in mind for your friend to do.
This provides a sense of coping for your friend and also alleviates concerns that your friend may have about you needing assistance.
You might like to be driven to the doctor's weekly or to have your friend visit a little more often. , This is not the time for letting go of friendships and feeling self-pity.
The life you have remaining counts for everything and friendship is a vital part of the support, love and care that you deserve.
About the Author
Samuel Garcia
Enthusiastic about teaching organization techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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