The G.I.V.E skill is a great tool in maintaining healthy relationships by using effective communication skills. Let's say, your good friend wants to take their life. Times like these, it's very important that you have good communication skills.. When people are very upset, sometimes it seems like nothing you can say is the right thing. The G.I.V.E skill is good to use in tricky situations where you want to address an issue, in a way that allows you to maintain the relationship.

G- Gentle

You can begin with the issue, "Lisa, I'm worried about you. I see you are unhappy and it scares me. I want to go with you, to get you some help, because I couldn't live with myself if I didn't and then something happened to you."

I- be Interested

Listen to them, it's important to hear them, and them to feel, they have been heard. Face them, keep eye contact and lean in towards them when they are talking. (if they don't want to talk, respect that, and do not do it in public) show them that you hear how they are feeling, as well as their thoughts about the situation. Try to see it from their perspective, then say or act on what you see. You could say something like, " I hear you feel hopeless" or "I see how hard this is for you."

E- Easy manner

Crack a joke, smile, ease them along, but be light hearted, don't bring an attitude, sweet talk. May sound like this: HEY I know you are tired of feeling this way. You're not trying to punish yourself are you? I love you and I really just want you to feel better, to find your smile again, but if you stay here doing the same thing, nothing will ever change. I need you, and I need you to be well. You deserve to be happy, i hate to see you feel this way. Why don't you let ME call your dr, so you don't have to, and lets see what they think is the best way to get you feeling better, ok? Then when you do start feeling better, we can go out and celebrate, you really mean a lot to me.

Addressing a serious issue in a gentle and validating way will give you such an advantage. People need to feel like they are supported and that they matter and have been heard. We don't want to say something that they will get defensive about, because once that happens, they no longer hear what you are saying. Try this skill out and be gentle, be interested, validate their feelings, and wrap it up with an easy manner.