A woman may dress provocatively during a midlife crisis.
Many people know someone in the midst of a midlife crisis. Whether the person indulges in plastic surgery to maintain a youthful look, purchases an expensive car that's beyond their budget or engages in an extramarital affair, the consequences of a midlife crisis can often be devastating. When you have a close friend who is immersed in a midlife meltdown, there are several things you can do to provide constructive advice and steer him away from damaging behavior.
Instructions
1. Initiate a discussion with your friend about deal with the aging process. Use yourself as an example. You could, for example, speak about how you felt when you discovered your first wrinkle or how you decided to start dying your hair to cover the gray. These conversations should help your friend admit to the negative feelings he or she has had about growing older. They also allow you to admit that you've experienced these conflicted feelings as well.
2. Point out some of the many people who continue to live full, vibrant lives well into old age. Use examples like actresses who maintain a career by changing the types of parts they play, inventors who continued making discoveries well into old age and authors who continue to be prolific even as they grow older.
3. Reveal your shock at your friend's recent behavior. Don't be afraid to tell your friend that he or she seems to have changed, and not for the better. Point out that no matter what antics she participates in, nothing can turn back the clock. While your words may seem a bit harsh, they may serve as a needed wake-up call.
4. Explain how the person who ages gracefully appears much more attractive and confident than the person who makes an obvious attempt to hang onto his or her youth. Point out examples of people you know personally -- or use examples of famous people -- who fall into both categories as a way to get your friend's attention.
5. Ask your friend what you can do to help him or her deal with these life changes. Encourage your friend to set positive goals and offer to help make a list of steps that will allow those goals to be met. Encourage healthy pursuits that your friend enjoys, like additional education, participating in sports, spending time with grandchildren and traveling.
Tags: your friend, deal with, midlife crisis, people know, well into
