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Two are better than one, for if one falls down, the other will help him up.  But pity the person who falls and has no one to help him up.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Mother Teresa says, “Loneliness is the most terrible poverty.”  What do you do when a friend tells you they are lonely?  Do you shrug them off?  Roll your eyes?

If you want to support a lonely friend, consider the following recommendations from those who’ve been there:

Dinner and a Movie
Some people are so debilitated by loneliness that they can hardly discuss it (or anything else). Inviting a friend to a concert or movie will give you something to talk about over dinner.

Try Not to Cancel
Try not to reschedule plans or cancel at the last minute.  Lonely people tend to see social engagements as life buoys in a long week.  Canceling can leave them feeling unmoored.

Check In
Leave a message.  A voicemail or e-mail can make someone feel they haven’t been forgotten.

If you are blessed with friendships and/or positive relationships with family members, first of all count your blessings.  Then, pass that blessing on to people who need it.

For more ideas, check out this great post from Oprah.com.