What Not to Say to a Friend Who's Sick
Three years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Throughout my surgery and radiation treatments, I became intrigued by my friends’ and family’s diverse reactions to me, how awkwardly some of them...
View ArticleWhen Your Best Isn't Good Enough
What happens when you feel you’ve given your all to a sick friend and your all is not enough? Worse yet, what if you have no idea that you’ve disappointed her?
View ArticleThere's a Support Group For Everything
When you're all together in the same boat, support groups make it easier to navigate the shoals of illness, treatments, and their aftermath.
View ArticleIce Cream, Pillows and Candles
Simple creature comforts can make life easier for patients during difficult times: ice cream sundaes, scented candles new pillows, even reflexology (a foot massage) can go a long way toward pleasing a...
View ArticleTo Visit or Not to Visit, That is the Question
There are lots of reasons to visit a sick friend, most of which are pretty obvious. We visit to show our love and concern, to provide care, support and comfort, and to offer help when needed. Less...
View ArticleWhat Not to Say to Grieving Friends
Whenever I write about how to be a friend to a friend who’s sick, my definition of illness also includes people who are “sick at heart,” especially those grieving the loss of a loved one.
View ArticleWhen Too Much Is Too Much
According to traditional illness etiquette, we’re supposed to give our sick friends love, attention, company, concern and care. We’re supposed to keep inquiring about how they feel and what we can do....
View ArticleWhat Sick People Most Hate to Hear From Their Friends
After three months on the road with my book tour, I've now heard everything!
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