When people you know are hurting, you want to let then know that you care. But many people don't know what words to use-- or are afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing. Crowe and McDowell have created a guide to help you increase your emotional intelligence and learn how to offer comfort and support when someone you know is in pain. They take you, step by step by step, past the paralysis of thinking about someone in a difficult time to actually doing something (or nothing) with good judgment instead of fear.

Introduction. Life spoiler alert: bad things happen -- Part one. Laying some groundwork -- Put your own oxygen mask on first -- Standing in their shoes -- Part two. The three touchstones of showing up -- Your kindness is your credential -- Listening speaks volumes -- Small gestures make a big difference -- Part three. Just help me not be a disaster -- Please never say this (thanks!) -- Empathy directory: dos and don'ts cheat sheets -- You got this!