Helped, Heard, or Hugged? Understanding the true intentions behind what somebody needs when they express themselves

Learn how to recognize whether someone wants help, to be heard, or to receive emotional support when they post online, and respond in a way that fosters empathy and connection.

Hi,

Did you know that most people don’t actually want to be helped when they share their thoughts online? It might sound surprising, but simply acknowledging someone’s feelings can often be more supportive than offering unsolicited advice. Scrolling through your social media feed, you might find that a simple “that sucks” can be more comforting than an a…