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[Dana]

It's saddening when people you know are down for reasons beyond anyones control and you just feel like you want to cheer them up but in the long run that's really not possible. Sure you can make them laugh for a minute but when that minute fades you feel helpless again.

 

[dkwrtw]

That's how I feel all the time about my family back home, I wish there was something I could do for them but I can't.

 

[hart]

Distracting someone, even briefly is doing them a favor. It shows you care, makes them feel better, even if only briefly and is never a bad idea. Some of the most poignant memories I have is laughing with loved ones during there last days. So don't underestimate it! That's an order to u both.

 

[Keight]

Im with Hart, If someone if seriously feeling down on themselves a short distraction is not going to make a difference, talking about it and letting them know you are there if they need to talk would help a lot more. If they are down on themselves its obviously for a reason you need to find out what that reason is and help them work through it rather than laugh it off and make them feel better momentarily

 

[hart]

Er actually Keight that wasn't what I said. What I said is that a small distraction can be beneficial. Yes it helps to listen to someone if they want to talk. But I have had people tell me they got sick of talking about their situation and appreciated a break, however slight, that caused them to laugh.