5 Ways to Support a Friend on a Difficult Anniversary

When we think of “being there” for the people we care about, our minds naturally turn toward the period right after a major event, such as a diagnosis, death, or divorce. Many of us excel at coming through during those early days, when the needs are urgent and we have a general roadmap for hitting everything on an urgent list of to-dos (helping to plan a funeral, sending out emails, ordering food, researching doctors or other services). After that point, however, we’ve all got to get back to the daily grind of our lives -- work, family, social priorities, and worrying about our own personal issues. But guess what? That’s exactly when it gets extra lonely for the person you were so good at supporting.

The good news? There are many ways to provide meaningful support to someone over the long term. You just need to get a little creative. And, trust us, they’ll always remember you did.

1. Get out the e-planner. Ask your friend to email any dates whose approach they dread. Enter them all into your calendar with annual reminders (tip: we like setting a reminder for the day beforehand). Send an email or text or give them a ring to let them know you’re thinking of them.

2. Send something their way. The flowers and food deliveries are long gone even by the first anniversary mark. Be the one who changes that. Think of something that might lighten their mood, inspire or comfort your friend. A bracelet that says “keep going”? A shipment of ice cream packed with empathy? An enormous amount of chocolate or a card that truly tells it like it is? Send it their way and surprise them with your thoughtfulness.

3. Remember with them. What does this date signify? A wedding anniversary with a deceased partner? A birthday or deathday? The day they signed their divorce papers or were told a relationship was over? Or the one they learned they or a loved one were sick? If you have memories of their dead loved one, send a card or email with a few of them. Even a simple recollection or two about their personality or a specific anecdote or occasion you celebrated with them will speak volumes. (Better yet: make a plan to get together and tell them in person.) You can do the same for a diagnosis or other tough anniversary; ask them what they’d like to talk about. Remember to ask follow-up questions and truly listen. Storytelling will be much more appreciated than any “advice” you have to offer.

4. Send out the bat signal. There is power in numbers! Organize a Meal Train for the person’s close network to support them through meals and short visits that week. Ask your friend if they’re open to your planning a casual dinner gathering so that they have something to do on the day, and then have it at their favorite restaurant or a comfortable home setting. Do they want to be distracted or blow off some steam? Go bowling, take a group cooking class, or head to your local axe throwing joint.

5. Get practical. In addition to emotional support, what do they need? Someone to stay with the kids while they have some precious alone time? An organized home? A ride to an appointment or someone to hold their hand in the waiting room? A clean dog? Send them a “gift certificate” for any or all of the above and lift some of the daily burdens off their shoulders during this particularly triggering time.

This article was authored by Modern Loss, which offers candid conversation about grief and meaningful community throughout the long arc of loss. Learn more at modernloss.com and the book Modern Loss: Candid Conversation About Grief. Beginners Welcome.