How To Feed A Friend Who’s Grieving, And Why It Matters
Dr. Leah Samler, a Chicago-based psychotherapist, explained it this way: “All of us have to eat, so we often mobilise to meet that basic need first during a tragedy. Especially when you don’t know what to say, an act of service can speak a lot more than words.”
1. It’s about comfort, not health food.
If the grieving person isn’t worried about calories right now, you needn’t be, either. Think about the foods that bring them joy. If it’s a big bowl of fresh kale, sure, go with that. But odds are it’s something soft, warm and indulgent.
2. It doesn’t have to be dinner.
While your friend’s fridge may be overstocked with heat-and-serve dinners, there may be other parts of the day when they need help. “If they have children, mornings might be especially tough,” Kaplan said. “You may want to get them some breakfast meals and quick-serve options.”
3. Share of yourself.
There’s nothing wrong with a plain ol’ covered dish, but it can also be great to share something that tells a bit of your own culinary story.
4. Sorting out the gift card conundrum.
Perhaps you live far away from the person who’s grieving. Or perhaps you just don’t have the wherewithal to start slinging around pots and pans in the kitchen. Food delivery gift cards can be a good alternative
Keep remembering them — they remember you.
In the days after a tragedy, a family might be overwhelmed with food gifts. Later on, not so much. “Everyone tends to pile on at once,” Samler observed. “It’s great to do something right away, but then follow up in the weeks and months ahead. It might be even more meaningful after the chaos has died down.”
Read the complete article available at Huffington Post!
Reflection:
What dish would you make for a friend who's grieving?
#Grief #Support #Friendship
@comfortableNight4463
Thank you for sharing this post. Hmm that is a question I've never really thought about, I think I would make something with is comforting. I'd probably see what food the friend was feeling and go from there.
What about you?
