When someone you love comes to you with a problem, ask, “Do you want to be helped, heard, or hugged?” Helped: Deconstruct the problem and identify potential solutions. The fix-it mentality can come out to play. Heard: Listen intently and allow the other person to express (and vent) as needed. Hugged: Provide comforting physical touch. Touch is a powerful love language for many (including my wife). Sometimes people just want to feel your presence with them.
