One of our responsibilities in life is to take care of others. Often that part of our job description is forgotten. Now is the time to resurrect that skill.

Take an inventory of your friends (and family too). Play detective because very few people will come right out and admit that they are struggling. You’ll probably have to ask lots of questions to sort out what’s going on. But don’t make it an interrogation. Express concern and maybe even talk about how you feel about the turmoil we’re in.

If you can determine that your friend might be having a difficult time, the next step is to administer some “spiritual Tylenol”. What can you do to help reduce their discomfort? Can you visit or call more often? Have coffee or lunch on a scheduled basis? Text or message every day just checking in? Take them somewhere?

Ask them what you can do but phrase it as if it’s for both of you…because it is for both of you.

Remember older people and people without families too. There’s not much worse than being alone in uncertain times. Visits can help them be less lonely.

At the end of the day, check in with how your actions have made you feel….