Celebrate With Them After the Storm
Thirty-two easy ways to celebrate with them after the storm, because joy after hardship is deeply sweet.
Celebration heals. Mark the turning point together.
28 tips that really help
These ideas come from Daring Greatly (Brené Brown), The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz), Platonic (Marisa Franco), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Joy matters after hard times
Celebrating recovery tells friends they have come far. It helps healing and strengthens the bond.
Celebrate.
Notice the turning point
It may be a new job, a clean test, a house move or a good day. Small turns count.
Notice it.
Say how proud you are
Tell them, I am so proud of you. Honest pride is powerful.
Say it.
Plan a celebration
A dinner, a walk or a picnic. Keep it in line with their energy.
Plan.
Ask what they would enjoy
Let them choose the form. Some like quiet, some like parties.
Ask.
Give a small gift
A card, a plant or a book. Small things say you remember.
Give one.
Remember the journey
Say, you have come so far. Acknowledge the hard part gently.
Acknowledge.
Share a toast
Raise a cup to better days. Simple rituals mean a lot.
Toast.
Take photos if they want
Capture the moment, with permission. Memories matter.
Ask first.
Look ahead together
Plan something fun for the future. Hope is healing.
Plan ahead.
Keep it gentle
Do not push too much joy at once. Follow their mood.
Be sensitive.
Keep the friendship going
Do not vanish after the party. Stay in touch.
Stay.
Script: pride
You made it through, and I am so proud of you. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: planning
Let us have a special dinner to celebrate better days. Say it brightly.
Use it.
Script: recall
You have come so far since last year, I admire you. Say it sincerely.
Use it.
Script: toast
Here is to better days and brave friends. Say it cheerfully.
Use it.
Script: closing
Thank you for letting me share this with you. Say it softly.
Use it.
Mistake: pretending the hard time never happened
Acknowledge it gently, so name the journey.
Acknowledge.
Mistake: planning something too big
Match their energy, so keep it simple.
Go simple.
Mistake: pressuring them to feel happy
Let feelings be mixed, so allow it.
Be gentle.
Troubleshoot: when they feel guilty for celebrating
Tell them they deserve joy. Both grief and joy can exist.
Reassure.
Troubleshoot: when they are exhausted
Plan a tiny celebration like tea and cake. Small is enough.
Keep it small.
Troubleshoot: when your own life is hard
Celebrate their win anyway, and ask for support another day. Friendship holds both.
Be kind.
Troubleshoot: when culture shapes celebration
Ask what is appropriate and follow their lead. Respect.
Ask.
Troubleshoot: when the hard time is not over
Celebrate small steps and keep support going. Do not rush.
Be patient.
Drill: plan a small celebration
Plan a small celebration for a friend’s good news. Do it.
Plan.
Drill: write a card
Write a card saying how proud you are. Post it.
Write.
Drill: take a walk together
Plan a gentle walk with a friend who has had a hard time. Enjoy.
Invite.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.
“You made it through, and I am so proud.”
“Let us have a special dinner.”
“Remember how hard it was?”
“I brought you a small present.”
“Thanks for letting me share this.”
“Here is to better days.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Notice the turning point
Say how proud you are
Plan a celebration
Give a small gift
Remember the journey
Look ahead
Keep it gentle
Further reading
- Daring Greatly (Brené Brown)
- The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz)
- Platonic (Marisa Franco)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “How to Build Stronger Friendships”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Be Patient With Grief and ChangeNext: Plan Regular Fun Together →
- Trust: The Ground Everything Grows In
- Reliability: Do What You Say
- Honesty With Kindness
- Respect for Differences
- Shared Values and Shared Fun
- Mutual Effort
- Safety to Be Yourself
- Show Up When It Is Inconvenient
- Be Generous With Your Time
- Celebrate Their Success Without Envy
- Keep Their Secrets
- Say Thank You Often
- Give Honest Support, Not Empty Praise
- Be Easy to Be Around
- Share What You Really Feel
- Ask Better Questions About Their Life
- The Thirty-Six Questions That Build Closeness
- Tell Stories That Matter
- Be Vulnerable in Small Doses
- Receive Their Vulnerability Well
- Create Safe Space for Hard Topics
- What to Say to a Friend in Pain
- What Not to Say
- Show Up With Practical Help
- Check In After the Crisis
- Ask for Support Yourself
- Be Patient With Grief and Change
- Celebrate With Them After the Storm
- Plan Regular Fun Together
- Share Inside Jokes and Rituals
- Try New Adventures as Friends
- Take a Trip Together
- Laugh Often, Laugh Together
- Create Traditions
- Let Friends Change and Grow
- Be Their Cheerleader for Big Goals
- Talk About the Friendship Itself
- Forgive and Repair Quickly
- Keep Learning What Your Friend Needs
- Your Friendship Deepening Plan
