Lois can call Brian while he’s having a hard time simply to touch base with him. She might say, “I know I’m not much help to you at this time, but I just wanted to hear how you’re doing and let you know that I care about you.” She might increase her contact with Brian and invite him to have dinner with her family. Stepping back and allowing the other person to struggle with his or her own problems is not the same as emotional withdrawal. Lois can stop trying to bail Brian out, yet still express her support and interest as he goes through a difficult time.
