Wow, you are so supportive.
The current sizzle question has to do with supporting a loved one. The question is how to do you support a friend or a family member who is currently going through a rough time. This question may seem like kind of a downer compared to others, but with so many of our friends' husbands off fighting in the middle east I thought it was important. Please feel to write in if you are supporting someone during a tough time or you are someone in need of support and feel that others don't know how to give it to you. Remember this site is written by you! This is a sizzle question and will remain on the board until interest dies out. Please click here to submit your entry. I will choose approximately 10-20 per week to post.
Chief Mommy Owl - Send a meal
I know, food seems to be my answer to everything. I just know on those days when things seem to be going a little or a lot crazy the last thing I feel like doing is worrying about what's for dinner. When I gave birth to my daughter, various friends in the community sent over dinner every night for a week. I don't know how I would have managed without them.
A Friendly Phone Call- Lynnette C., South Carolina
I find that since my husband was sent to the war, my friends just don't know what to say to me so they just don't call. I know that many nights in my house after the kids go to bed I get very bored and lonely and would just love to chat with a friend. However, if I call someone up, very often it is awkward. I wish people would just chat with me like they used to before all of this started. Talk about the kids, talk about work, talk about what happened on survivor last night. I'm still the same person.
Free Babysitting - Missy H., Florida
The Sunday after a close friend of mine had a death in her family I called her up and told her I was taking her kids for the day. I told her that I would take them on an outing to the movies and feed them dinner and lunch. Since our kids are the same age, I knew things would go smoothly. She was very happy to have the day to herself to spend alone with her husband and I was glad to have my kids occupied for the day.
Send a Hallmark- Tina R., New Jersey
This may sound old fashioned, but I still believe in sending a card to let someone know that you are thinking of them. When my good friend lost her job, I went out and bought one of those funny Shoebox greetings and sent it to her with a nice note written inside. It may seem simple, but just sending a smile in the mail to someone when things are tough can make all the difference. I know I always appreciate it.
Open your Home -Lauren J., New York
When my husband and I decided to separate, all of the sudden I completely lost my social life. So many of the people who had used to invite us over as a couple now completely stopped calling with invitations. I know that this is a difficult situation, but it makes it all the more difficult to feel like I am losing my friends as well as my marriage. So the next time you have a dinner party. don't automatically exclude your friends that are going through tough times.
Send over some cleaning help- Marta R., Texas
I don't know if this counts, but when I broke my leg last year a friend of mine called up one of those cleaning services and had a crew sent over to clean my house until I was back on my feet. Knowing how important a clean house is to me, this was probably the most thoughtful and touching gift I have ever received.
Editor's Note: Oh yeah, that counts Marta. May I have your friends name and address? I would like to get to know her better.