When someone has been having a hard time for a few days, a few weeks or even months, it’s easy to feel useless as a friend. We tend to believe we have to say something clever, give advice or offer solutions. But most of the time, that’s not what’s needed. Just a few words can be enough. Saying “it’s okay,” “you’re not alone,” or “it’s okay to feel this way” can be more helpful than any explanation.

People don’t need answers. They need presence. Knowing that someone sees them, that someone doesn’t expect them to fake a smile or explain what’s going on. That can be the difference between hundirse más or sentir un poco de alivio. Not everything has to be fixed. Some things just need space and company.