O, The Oprah Magazine
How to Help a Lonely Friend
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A Small Gesture
A lonely person's pity meter is a finely tuned instrument. There is no greater kindness than not extending an overly magnanimous invitation that makes her feel like the neighborhood charity case. A small gesture—an offhand invitation to lunch—is often a better antidote.

Dinner and a movie »
From One Is the Loneliest Number in the June 2006 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. Subscribe now!