The friend who sits with you while you wait for news, saying almost nothing, is doing more than it looks like.

Waiting is harder alone, and company that does not try to fix the waiting is rarer than it sounds. Most people reach for reassurance or advice because silence feels useless to them. Sitting there without filling it takes more patience and gives more comfort, even though it looks like nothing is being done. That kind of friend is handling the hardest part of the job.

If someone you know is waiting on news this week, offer to be in the room rather than on the phone. You do not need the right words. Bring a snack, put something on in the background, and stay.