Signed, A Concerned Friend

Today, I’m going to respond to a question that was sent in by well,, one of you. 💌 If you have a question, please send me a message. I may not have "all the answers," but I'll do everything I can to give you a supportive and encouraging response. 📫

Dear Yehudit, A friend confided in me that she is in an emotionally abusive relationship. How can I support her without being intrusive or crossing her boundaries?

How can I support her without being intrusive or crossing her boundaries?

I’m especially worried now that she’s having to spend so much time at home and is with him more than usual. Signed, A Concerned Friend Dear Concerned, What I would suggest is that the next time you speak with your friend, ask her to help you understand what works for her. She shared with you about her difficult situation, allow her to define what works for her. How often is ok for you to check in? What ways does she prefer you contact her? Also let her know that if at any time she feels she needs less or more, it is her right to tell you and you will totally respect that. I would also set up a code with her that she can use if it is not a good time to talk, or an emergency code if she feels like her situation has gotten to a point where she need serious intervention. The most important thing in all of this is allowing her, encouraging her, and sometimes even teaching her that she is in control of her choices with you and you will honor and respect them with love and understanding.

The most important thing in all of this is allowing her, encouraging her, and sometimes even teaching her that she is in control of her choices with you and you will honor and respect them with love and understanding.

Hopefully, learning to do that with you will help her take steps to improving her situation with her spouse. Peace, Yehudit