| Maybe you're not dealing with infertility, but if your | | | | Try this trio of techniques: |
| friend or relative is, it's likely that it's affecting you, | | | | 1. Be available, but don't be pushy. If your friend |
| too. For instance, if you have a best girlfriend who | | | | doesn't want to discuss the topic of infertility, let it |
| has been trying to get pregnant for a while, you | | | | go. On the other hand, if your friend really wants to |
| might start to question whether you should bring up | | | | discuss it, allow her to vent a bit. Don't judge, don't |
| a mutual acquaintance's pregnancy announcement. Will | | | | react, just listen and respond. |
| it make your best friend feel upset? Will she become | | | | 2. Don't constantly ask your friend about doctor's |
| stressed out? Will she resent you for being the | | | | appointments, outcomes, etc. if your friend seems |
| bearer of such news? | | | | hesitant to talk about the subject. |
| Truly, how to help a friend who is dealing with | | | | 3. Out of respect, ask your friend if he or she wants |
| infertility can be a very tough and complicated | | | | to have a conversation about his or her infertility. If |
| subject. Many people coping with infertility simply | | | | the answer is "no", don't try to change his or her |
| don't want to discuss their problems, especially if | | | | response. Even if you're aching to hear all the "news", |
| they are naturally private individuals. Then there are | | | | if it's not your business, it's not your business. |
| others who are completely open about their | | | | Remember that there are definitely ways to be a |
| experiences, right down to incredibly intimate | | | | good friend to someone who is struggling with |
| (sometimes even graphic) details. | | | | infertility. And perhaps the best is to continuously |
| So what can you do if you want to show your | | | | focus on what that person needs and wants, not on |
| support for a person or couple dealing with infertility | | | | what you think you ought to be doing to help. |
| but don't want to step on any toes? | | | | |