Kat Boogaard is a Midwest-based freelance writer. This article was originally published on The Daily Muse. Give one of these alternatives a try and you might actually help the person worry a little bit less. But, that phrase really isn’t helpful or comforting. When your colleague’s hanging around your workspace obsessively chattering about a situation that has her worked into a tizzy, it’s all too easy to let a nonchalant, “Don’t worry about it” fall out of your mouth. RELATED: This Is How You Give Honest Feedback To Anyone, Anytime-Without Hurting Feelings Tack on a quick, “I’m here if you need me,” and suddenly you’re the nicest, most sympathetic employee in the whole office. Quite simply, you’re acknowledging this person’s emotions and making him feel justified in those feelings-rather than trying to dismiss him. How is this any better than just saying, “Don’t worry?” Well, there’s one big thing that makes this phrase the superior option. So, if you can’t offer any help or advice from a similar situation, just acknowledging the fact that your co-worker is trapped in a crappy situation is sometimes the best you can do. But, sometimes it’s nice to have someone to vent to and commiserate with. No matter how badly you want to, you simply can’t fix everything for everyone. Plus, if you can offer any advice as to how you saw yourself out of that situation? Well, that’s even better! So, assuring your colleague that you’ve been in his or her shoes before definitely offers a little bit of comfort When you’re worked up about something, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only person who has ever wound up in that sticky situation. They didnt want me reading some girls old diary, so instead Im writing my. Regardless of what the situation was-or whether or not it was any fault of your own-I’m willing to bet that you felt pretty isolated. The only thing is I dont want anything rectilinear. Or, maybe you were incredibly nervous for a big meeting. Perhaps you received a less than stellar performance review. Maybe you accidentally sent an email to the entire office, instead of just one co-worker. Think back on a time when you found yourself in an anxiety-inducing situation that made your stomach jump into your throat. RELATED: 4 Basic Questions Likable People Always Ask At Work But, simply offering to pitch in shows that you not only recognize and understand his or her predicament, but also that you’re a team player, willing to assist if needed.Įven if there’s nothing you can help with, the worrier will undoubtedly take great comfort in knowing that there’s someone in his or her corner to fall back on. Yes, there’s a good chance that there’s nothing you can do to fix the situation your co-worker is worked up about.