Do more than offer to help

When someone has a new baby, a death in the family or an illness, asking “What can I do?” isn’t the best approach.

Don’t ask, do. Here are four ways to help:

– Request a grocery list of things your friend needs. If they don’t reply, drop off paper towels, bottled water, crackers, apples or other staples that don’t need refrigeration.

– Arrange for a housekeeper or friends to tidy up.

– Send a meal to someone local or out of town through services such as Williams-Sonoma.

– Offer several windows of time when you can walk the dog or take the kids.

– Katherine Snow Smith, B2 Communications