What do you say to an unwell person?

I have a friend who has been ill for a very long time and I always don't know what to say to her coz i suck at talking in general and I dont really know much about chronic pain .. :-0 I dont have any close friend or family member whos been ill for long either. I mean its so lucky that I happen to have lived a life not knowing too much about it in a way. But I feel bad not saying much to her either. Hmm. I don't think anything I say would comfort her at all coz its not something that can be helped by words..? But if you have experience with long term pain, what do u think was nice to hear? Or if you have a sick friend, what do you guys say to them?

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doodlebug2013 · 41-45, F

The biggest thing is to just be there for her. Living with a chronic illness, I can tell you words can only do so much, anyway. A good idea for something to say would be to ask if there's anything you can do for her, but don't make it open ended. Ask about doing something concrete that would be genuinely helpful, like cooking and freezing a bunch of meal portions for her, or helping with cleaning her place or doing some kind of maintenance or something like that. Stuff that helps to have done for the times when you're too tired or hurty to do those things yourself. That helps me.

jellyfishman · 31-35, F

@doodlebug2013 Thank you for the comment...! Actually she lives far away.. but maybe ill be able to help her or someone esle in practical ways in the future. Sometimes im scared that i try to say something nice to make someone feel better but in reality im not able to or not committed enough to give them actual practical help.. i think its something i can work on though..!!!!.. I should work on it.. >:-0..