What could you do if ur Best friend felt down?

im in this situation lotsa times-- as i have several "bestfriends" from different times in my life-- my HS bestfriend; my college bestfriend; my MA bestfriend; all of whom i still see on a regular basis. on top of that, there are friends who see me as their best friend, and would come to me when feeling down and out--

thru the years, i've learned several things, besides hug, cuddle and giving comfort food:

1. give your friend time to settle down. ask him/her what's wrong, but never push. your friend would talk when ready. sometimes not on day1, in which case im just there for company: coffee days, movie days, chess days, bowling days, guitar days-- just making myself available.

2. not all wants to be cuddled or hugged just yet-- just keep your arms open and let the other person feel its ok to hug you by putting an arm around him/her. careful with opposite sex though, as they are vulnerable at this point (many a disastrous marriage started with "bestfriends" comforting each other in times of sorrow-- misconstrued as "love" but really just empathy and physical attraction because of proximity) some friends seeking advice fell for me this way and can be quite a sticky situation.

3. as with any of them, the words "im just here" is almost unspoken. they all know, that's why they found their way to me. but it helps to whisper that to them while you let them settle down.

4. once they start talking i listen, especially to words left unsaid.

5. i dont judge. i try my best to understand the situation, and offer advice as i see fit. the WORST that you can do for your friend is to agitate him/her some more, to the point of getting mad enough to start a bigger fight with whoever offended her.

6. i dont take sides. not even my bestfriend's side. i play the devil's advocate and present the situation to him/her from every other angle possible. but i do this in a mellow voice, never confrontational. just normal probes and comments.

7. i let him/her understand the situation from offending party's probable point of view, by letting my friend dissect the situation-- i DONT give inputs-- i let them analyze their own situations.

8. when things get clearer, and all the aches had been poured out, i offer comfort food and comfort activities, and let some good times roll

9. i hug goodbyes and come-anytimes and cya-soons.. long hugs, bear hugs, pats at the back that say " i love you" ten folds than just saying it outloud. finally, a big smack on the cheek as we part.

Depends on what has them down . Sometimes all you can do is just be there , or maybe try to distract them . To many different situations and answers . You are just going to have to fell it out .

I would take my friend to an amusement park. (Six Flags). I would go on a fast ride so when it is finished the person could talk about it.

there is no clear cut answer-it really depends on the situation.

But just let them know you are there for them whenever they need to talk

ask them what is bothering them and try to find something to counter act that