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Love Advice

23 simple ways to support your friends when they need it most

It seems like a lot of people have been going through a rough period lately. I know that for me, this year has been very stressful, however, I got through it with the amazing support from my friends. Here are a few simple things that you can do to show your friends love and support them when they need it the most:

1. Send them supportive text messages

[Gif description: animated hands texting with bluebirds and rainbows in the background and coming through the phone] via Giphy
[Gif description: animated hands texting with blue birds and rainbows in the background and coming through the phone] via Giphy
When I randomly get a message from one of my friends saying “you got this” or just one sending me motivation, I instantly feel loved and have a better attitude about everything that’s on my plate.

2. Just check in on them

[Gif description: Lisa Simpson walking up saying "Hi! How are you?"] via Giphy
[Gif description: Lisa Simpson walking up saying “Hi! How are you?”] via Giphy
Simply asking your friends how they’re doing shows that you care.

3. Listen to them 

[Gif description: a kid sitting at a desk saying "Listen. Listen. Listen."] via Giphy
[Gif description: a kid sitting at a desk saying “Listen. Listen. Listen.”] via Giphy
Sometimes, your friend is having a hard time and just wants to vent. Let them.

4. Get them something that they would love

[Gif description: Octavia Spencer sitting at a table saying "I love that" to someone] via Giphy
[Gif description: Octavia Spencer sitting at a table saying “I love that” to someone] via Giphy
Maybe their love language is gift giving, consider surprising them with a small gift like a face mask or something that reminded you of them.

5. Offer to accompany them somewhere

[Gif description: a man and a woman smiling and laughing while walking down a street] via Giphy
[Gif description: a man and a woman smiling and laughing while walking down a street] via Giphy
Sometimes people just like company during errands or when they need to be productive. 

6. FaceTime homework date

[Gif description: A woman kissing her phone as she says hi to someone] via Giphy
[Gif description: A woman kissing her phone as she says hi to someone] via Giphy
This is specifically for long distance friendships. Personally, I like having company and motivation when I need to get a few things done. So, I’ll FaceTime my friend and we’ll both motivate each other to work and even brainstorm ideas with each other. 

7. Give them a big hug

[Gif description: two women embracing each other in a warm hug] via Giphy
[Gif description: two women embracing each other in a warm hug] via Giphy
Everyone can use a warm embrace.

8. Make or bring them food

[Gif description: A woman telling a man "food makes you feel better"] via Giphy
[Gif description: A woman telling a man “food makes you feel better”] via Giphy
Food instantly brightens my mood. It’s even brought some tears to my friends when someone brings them food after a hard day.

9. Hype them up

[Gif description: a woman praising someone saying "that is genuis"] via Giphy
[Gif description: a woman praising someone saying “that is genuis”] via Giphy
Be their personal hypewoman. 

10. Tell them a funny story

[Gif description: a woman laughing] via Giphy
[Gif description: a woman laughing] via Giphy
Sometimes people just need a good laugh to keep on keeping on.

11. Organize a movie night

[Gif description: cartoon kids jumping on beanie bags in front of a TV screen] via Giphy
[Gif description: cartoon kids jumping on beanie bags in front of a TV screen] via Giphy
If your friend is anything like myself, a lighthearted movie can be the perfect way to de-stress. 

12. Tell them you love them

[Gif description: Kris Jenner in a car saying "I love my friends"] via Giphy
[Gif description: Kris Jenner in a car saying “I love my friends”] via Giphy
This seems very obvious, but it can go a long way.

13. Send them a cute picture of a puppy

[Gif description: a puppy pawing at the camera] via Giphy
[Gif description: a puppy pawing at the camera] via Giphy
Everyone can use a little puppy love.

14. Buy them flowers

[Gif description: a man giving a woman a single flower] via Giphy
[Gif description: a man giving a woman a single flower] via Giphy

15. Have an at-home spa day

[Gif description: three girls with green face masks on with one holding a spoon full of the green mask] via Giphy
[Gif description: three girls with green face masks on with one holding a spoon full of the green mask] via Giphy
Spa days always make me feel rejuvenated and instantly more confident and ready to handle everything that I have to do.

16. Go out for drinks

[Gif description: two girls shotgunning a beer] via Giphy
[Gif description: two girls shotgunning a beer] via Giphy

17. Plan a fun day activity

[Gif description: a beluga whale blowing a kiss to a little girl] via Giphy
[Gif description: a beluga whale blowing a kiss to a little girl] via Giphy
Go to the zoo or aquarium, or even try visiting an animal shelter (again, puppy love).

18. Go to Marshall’s or Target

[Gif description: a woman saying "retail therapy!] via Giphy
[Gif description: a woman saying “retail therapy!] via Giphy
Retail therapy is very real.

19. Take them for a hike

[Gif description: two girls laughing together while on a hike] via Giphy
[Gif description: two girls laughing together while on a hike] via Giphy
Physical activity and fresh air can be just the reset they need.

20. Listen to their favorite music

[Gif description: a woman dancing to music as she's holding a phone with music notes jumping up and down] via Giphy
[Gif description: a woman dancing to music as she’s holding a phone with music notes jumping up and down] via Giphy
I don’t know about you, but a little dance party and/or karaoke session instantly puts me in a good mood.

21. Group nap

[Gif description: a little girl curling up in a nap on top of a sleeping cat] via Giphy
[Gif description: a little girl curling up in a nap on top of a sleeping cat] via Giphy

22. Bake them cookies

[Gif description: a cartoon chef checking on cookies in the oven] via Giphy
[Gif description: a cartoon chef checking on cookies in the oven] via Giphy

23. Plan a game night

[Gif description: a scrabble board spelling out "simple game night"] via Giphy
[Gif description: a scrabble board spelling out “simple game night”] via Giphy
Games can be a great way to destress and offer some fun for a hectic schedule. So consider throwing a game night to relax a little with some friends who need it the most!

I’m sure that any of your friends will appreciate any of the things on this list, stressed or not! Going into a new year, only accept supportive and healthy friendships.

By Nasira Pratt

Nasira Pratt is currently a senior at Occidental College with a major in Media Arts & Culture and a minor in Sociology. Her experience includes interning at ENTITY Magazine as an SEO intern and as an editorial intern at The New Presence in Prague, Czech Republic. She's an eager student with a deep love for her community, Beyoncé, and ShondaLand (in that order).