Giving Help That Works - And Asking for the Help We Need

Do you hate feeling unable to help people in crisis, or do you worry about getting too involved and stepping on toes? There are ways to give help to people in need that are productive and considerate, and our listeners wrote in with some excellent examples.

Amy and Margaret discuss:

• How to avoid the "let me know if you need anything" trap
• The "comfort in, dump out" model of caretaking
• The perils of too many lasagnas

The best help you can give may be something that feels inconsequential to you but is actually a huge help to the people in need. Whatever your role ends up being during a crisis, accept it graciously, and don't expect a hero's fanfare for your efforts.

Links!

Anne Helen Petersen: A Shortcut for Caring for Others (and Being Cared for Yourself)

Susan Silk and Barry Goldman for the LA Times: "How not to say the wrong thing"

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