You do not have to have an experience that is the same as your friend to be able to relate to them and exercise empathy when it comes to their eating disorder struggle. Connect to the feelings they are having instead to find true empathy rather than sympathy or pity. For example, in step 1 they may have opened up to you and shared that they are struggling with feeling sadness, disgust or a general sense of being “out of control.” Are there times in your life where you have felt out of control, even if it has nothing to do with food or body image? Utilize your own experience of suffering to connect deeper with your friend/family member and they will feel your authentic sharing of their emotion.

Our relationships with our family and friends are at the core of our support network and are vital to our social well-being. While these are the people we treasure most (and provide us with love and companionship), it is natural for conflict to arise within these relationships. However, conflict isn’t inherently destructive; in fact, it can strengthen our relationships and deepen our understanding of each other when managed thoughtfully. Navigating conflict can feel uncomfortable and challenging, but managing them is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Rather than letting arguments and conflict divide your relationships, use it as an opportunity to strengthen your connection and trust by resolving the conflict in a healthy, productive manner.

Our relationships with our family and friends are at the core of our support network and are vital to our social well-being. While these are the people we treasure most (and provide us with love and companionship), it is natural for conflict to arise within these relationships. However, conflict isn’t inherently destructive; in fact, it can strengthen our relationships and deepen our understanding of each other when managed thoughtfully. Navigating conflict can feel uncomfortable and challenging, but managing them is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Rather than letting arguments and conflict divide your relationships, use it as an opportunity to strengthen your connection and trust by resolving the conflict in a healthy, productive manner.

Our relationships with our family and friends are at the core of our support network and are vital to our social well-being. While these are the people we treasure most (and provide us with love and companionship), it is natural for conflict to arise within these relationships. However, conflict isn’t inherently destructive; in fact, it can strengthen our relationships and deepen our understanding of each other when managed thoughtfully. Navigating conflict can feel uncomfortable and challenging, but managing them is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Rather than letting arguments and conflict divide your relationships, use it as an opportunity to strengthen your connection and trust by resolving the conflict in a healthy, productive manner.

Our relationships with our family and friends are at the core of our support network and are vital to our social well-being. While these are the people we treasure most (and provide us with love and companionship), it is natural for conflict to arise within these relationships. However, conflict isn’t inherently destructive; in fact, it can strengthen our relationships and deepen our understanding of each other when managed thoughtfully. Navigating conflict can feel uncomfortable and challenging, but managing them is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Rather than letting arguments and conflict divide your relationships, use it as an opportunity to strengthen your connection and trust by resolving the conflict in a healthy, productive manner.

Our relationships with our family and friends are at the core of our support network and are vital to our social well-being. While these are the people we treasure most (and provide us with love and companionship), it is natural for conflict to arise within these relationships. However, conflict isn’t inherently destructive; in fact, it can strengthen our relationships and deepen our understanding of each other when managed thoughtfully. Navigating conflict can feel uncomfortable and challenging, but managing them is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Rather than letting arguments and conflict divide your relationships, use it as an opportunity to strengthen your connection and trust by resolving the conflict in a healthy, productive manner.

Our relationships with our family and friends are at the core of our support network and are vital to our social well-being. While these are the people we treasure most (and provide us with love and companionship), it is natural for conflict to arise within these relationships. However, conflict isn’t inherently destructive; in fact, it can strengthen our relationships and deepen our understanding of each other when managed thoughtfully. Navigating conflict can feel uncomfortable and challenging, but managing them is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Rather than letting arguments and conflict divide your relationships, use it as an opportunity to strengthen your connection and trust by resolving the conflict in a healthy, productive manner.