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Mind

How can I help a friend who is relentlessly negative about life?

From just listening to reframing the situation, there are a few ways you can help someone with a negative outlook, says advice columnist David Robson

By David Robson

6 November 2024

Young red-haired woman sitting in a cafe with friend and talking about something.

“Offering emotional support should, of course, be central to any good relationship”

Skynesher/Getty Images

After one of my recent book talks, an audience member described a friend who was having a hard time. Every conversation turned to the stress the friend was experiencing at work or the marital problems she was facing at home. “I want to be there for her,” my new acquaintance told me. “But I don’t seem to be helping.”

Offering emotional support should, of course, be central to any good relationship – and until recently, I thought that patient listening was the best help that someone…

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