The key to having a successful hard conversation is compassion and patience.

You notice someone close to you has lost a lot of weight. You also notice that they’re skipping meals and talking more pessimistically about food and their body. You feel concerned but worry that commenting on their body might do more harm than good.

So what should you do? Where is the line between showing concern and being harmful?

Originally published on theconversation.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.