DEAR AMY: I need some advice on what to say (or not say). I live in a senior apartment complex and my neighbor tried to commit suicide last weekend. She and I talk but are not really close. Of course I’m praying she will recover and come back to her home here, but I am not really sure what to say to her when she returns. Everyone here knows what happened, and I really want her to feel comfortable about returning home. I know some will keep on talking, but I don’t want to talk behind her back. She has always been fragile and is not close to her family. Do you have ideas? — Concerned
DEAR CONCERNED: Welcome your neighbor home. Bring her a meal or perhaps some sweets and tea to share.
Be warm and kind. Be supportive without prying. Don’t give her advice, lecture her or tell her how to feel better. Just be brave enough to be with her and listen if she wants to talk.
__________________
The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
