Laziness Does Not Exist

by Devon Price

Instead of: Try This:23 Offering solutions to a person’s problems Ask them how they will solve it: “What do you plan to do?” Trying to make a person’s bad feelings go away Let the person express their feelings without trying to change them. Letting a person vent, cry, or rant for hours without resolution Listen supportively, but suggest a distraction or a break when the person gets “stuck” fixating on the problem. Listening while a person spirals into greater and greater anxiety, sadness, or rage Interrupt them when they start to repeat themselves or escalate. “Let’s focus on the present situation right now.” Trying to guess what the person wants Make them clarify expectations: “What would you like me to do?” Providing more support than you’re comfortable with Identify other sources of support: “Who else can help with this?” Taking responsibility for the person’s situation Deflect responsibility: “I’m flattered that you care what I think, but you’re the expert on what’s best for you.”