The Power of Support: Part 1 The Basics
What Does Support Really Mean? (Hint: It’s More Than Just Holding Up a Wobbly Table)Support.Support. It’s a simple word, right? We see it everywhere—customer support, tech support, emotional support water bottles (because let’s be honest, hydration is a lifestyle). But when it comes to real support—the kind that makes life a little less chaotic and a lot more manageable—what does it actually mean?
Spoiler alert: It’s not just about offering a helping hand when someone drops their groceries (though that is a solid move). Support is about showing up—not necessarily with grand gestures, but in those small, everyday moments that make someone feel seen, understood, and maybe a little less like they’re losing their mind.
Support Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Some people hear “support” and think of epic, Hollywood-style speeches or dramatic rescues. But in reality, support comes in many forms, including but not limited to:
The Emotional MVP: You’re the friend who sends texts like "You got this, and if you don’t, I’ll bring ice cream."
The Practical Helper: You show up with soup, offer rides, or help someone remember why they walked into a room.
The Meme Therapist: You may not have all the answers, but you do have a stockpile of memes ready to send at a moment’s notice.
The Low-Energy Cheerleader: Support doesn’t always mean doing something. Sometimes, just sitting with someone (in comfortable silence, preferably with snacks) is enough.
What Support Isn’t
Now, let’s clear up a few things support isn’t:
🚫 “Toxic Positivity” Overload: Saying “Just think positive!” to someone struggling is about as helpful as telling a cat to file taxes. Support means acknowledging the struggle, not pretending it doesn’t exist.
🚫 Unsolicited Life Coaching: We love that you watched a motivational TED Talk, but unless someone asked for advice, maybe just... don’t.
🚫 Keeping Score: Support isn’t about keeping tally of who owes who. It’s about being there because you care, not because you expect a favor in return.
How to Be a Support Superstar
Want to be the kind of person who makes others say, “Wow, they really get it”? Here are a few pro tips:
✔ Listen More, Fix Less – Sometimes, people just need to vent. If they want advice, they’ll ask. Otherwise, just nod and pass the snacks.
✔ Check In—Without Expecting an Essay Response – A simple “Thinking of you” text works wonders. No pressure, no expectations. Just a little reminder that you care.
✔ Respect the Energy Levels – If your friend with a chronic illness cancels plans again, don’t take it personally. Instead, say, “No worries, let’s plan a low-energy hangout soon—like a Netflix binge or a synchronized napping session.”
✔ Be Their Person – You don’t have to fix their problems, just remind them they’re not facing them alone.
The Bottom Line
Support isn’t about grand gestures or having all the right words—it’s about being there in the ways that truly matter. Whether it’s bringing soup, sending memes, or just letting someone ugly cry without judgment, your presence means more than you know.
So go out there and be the kind of supportive friend, partner, or human that makes life a little brighter. And hey, if all else fails—just bring snacks. Snacks are always supportive.
