Do they want to discuss the issue or be distracted from it?

This is a good question to ask if a friend or co-worker mentions a problem and you're not sure how you can help. They might want to vent about the problem, without looking for a solution, or they may want your help finding a solution, or they may just want to be distracted!
Asked by:
https://www.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/h9fucs/lpt_when_a_friend_is_upset_ask_them_one_simple/ (Image from The CBC reporting on Emily Carr :: seemsArtless )

Other important questions to consider

April 23, 2024

How does the journey change us?

Paulo Coelho asks in his novel The Alchemist: How does the journey change us? The whole book is a journey in search of treasure, but as the story progresses it becomes clear that no amount of gold is truly worth the lessons...

November 04, 2024

Are you confusing correlation with causation?

Causality or correlation? Over the generations we have been rewarded for quick, simple pattern matching - something drops out of a tree, assume it is a snake and run. If you are wrong and it was a vine or branch, no harm done....

? > !! - QQ14147

Recent articles

September 20, 2015 - filed under Ponderances

Who can you 'uplift'?

Elizabeth Nyamayaro reminds us how important it is to help other

May 02, 2014 - filed under Ponderances

On finding new, uncertain games

Are you only playing the games you know you can win? Roger Martin on the fear of failure.