Decide Quote by Merle Shain
“The job of a friend is not to decide what should be done, not to run interference or pick up the slack. The job of a friend is to understand, and to supply energy and hope, and in doing so to keep those they value on their feet a little longer, so that they can fight another round and grow strong in themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Gift of a Friend, 1995
Friendship is about support and encouragement, not solving problems for others.
In simple terms: Friends lift us up, not do the work for us.
Key Takeaway
Offer empathy and motivation, not solutions.
Themes
friendship
support
empathy
growth
resilience
Mood
encouraging
reflective
Type
inspirational
advice
When to use this quote
- counseling
- team building
- personal development
- mentoring
Key Concepts
psychology
social bonds
self‑efficacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to truly support a friend?
- How can you balance encouragement with practical help?
A Different Perspective
May ignore need for concrete assistance in crises.
