This, I believe, is one of the most frequently asked questions. We hear it from shop clerks, when a service provider answers the phone, and from folks wanting to help us in a time of need.
The Dose welcomes help, and sometimes I’m smart enough to ask for it!
Asking “Can I help you?” is a good thing. Nothing wrong with wanting to help. But let’s amp that up. How about starting your offer, from the proverbial help desk, with suggestions of how to assist.
I found that, instead of asking the question, a statement proposing one or two ways I can help drives the conversation to what the person truly needs.
Folks who are ill, they need food… specify a meal or two to bring them.
A person suffering the loss of a loved one needs comfort… state a time to visit to share your shoulder for them to cry on.
Caring for a newborn requires sleep… supply childcare to create a nap time for the parent.
One memorable instance of help I received back in 2007 was when, unsolicited, a hairdresser from my church offered to wash and blow dry my difficult-to-manage hair as I prepared to attend my sweetheart’s funeral.
“Can I help you?” is just too ordinary… let’s be extraordinary and offer the HOW we can help.
Photo: My sweet – helpful – friend being my “nurse” post-surgery back in early 2020.