How to help

“Please listen to me.”
”Please give me advice.”
”Please solve my problem.”

These three requests are not the same, but it’s easy to blur the lines. And many times, a conversation begins without a specific ask.

That can be confusing.

When we’re eager to help, sometimes — with good intention — we quickly shift into the mode that we feel is most helpful.

Pausing to ask, “How can I help?” might feel clinical, but (since we don’t always know what’s needed) it’s often the best way to begin.