Perhaps you can help your friend by reminding them of this, “As long as we have no compassion for others, we suffer. When we have understanding and compassion, we regain our happiness and peace.”
Solution
One path is taking refuge in the practice of mindfulness. It gives us confidence to overcome difficulties. We can take refuge in mindful breathing, and mindful steps.
Then we will have peace and be available for the wonders of life, we will be truly present for our children, families, and our society.
Take your own inventory before judging the other person.
Am I engaging in a lifestyle that touches the beauty and goodness within and around?
Is it leading me in the direction of compassion and understanding?
Am I simply seeking to escape for myself?
Am I taking refuge in work, food, material comfort, television that cuts me off from my feelings, family, and society?
If so, that’s not really protection and refuge, it is escape.
Am I numbing myself to the reality of this life and the suffering of others?
That is moving in the wrong direction.
Genuinely happy people are fully present in the moment. They search constantly for ways to make everyone benefit in difficult situations.
Happy people work with and help others. Happiness is not a goal to be achieved but a reality in their everyday life.
I think you want to be happy.
--
As Adapted from Thich Nhat Hanh by Don Boice