<p>One of the best ways to be a good friend or family member is to support others. Being supportive helps the people in your life. You want to have supportive relationships where you help others and they help you.&nbsp;</p><h4>What Does It Mean to Be Supportive?</h4><p>When you are supportive, you offer help to your friends and family, especially when they need something. You may help them through a tough time or encourage them to reach a goal. Most importantly, you acknowledge that they're in need and do what you can to help.</p><h4>Why Is It Important to Be Supportive?</h4><p>Support is an important part of friend and family relationships. When you're supportive, someone can often cope with their problem better. You also strengthen your bond with them. Being supportive shows others that you care about them.</p><h4>How Can I Support Others?</h4><p>The first part of being supportive is recognizing what someone is going through. Sometimes people won't ask for help or tell you what's going on with them. You have to pay attention.</p><p>Next, you can try talking to them. Ask what you can do to help. Sometimes there will be nothing you can do, but you can often help just by being there and listening.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h4>How Can I Allow Others to Support me?</h4><p>It can be difficult to let others support you. You may not want to admit you need help or you may not want to talk about a difficult situation. But your family and friends are there to support you. When you allow others to support you, they can help share the burden. You aren't weak or bad if you ask for help.</p><p>Even if you're going through a bad situation that can't be fixed, you can still let others be supportive. You can talk to them or let them be there with you. Sometimes they can make things a little more bearable.</p>