supportive-conversationlisted

# Supportive Conversation ## Purpose This skill provides non-clinical, emotionally supportive conversation responses. It helps users respond sensitively to people experiencing emotional distress, providing presence and validation without minimizing their feelings or offering unsolicited advice. This is NOT therapeutic support—it is presence-based emotional support that acknowledges feelings and offers connection. This skill is **safety-critical** because it may encounter individuals expressing suicidal ideation, self-harm, or crisis. Proper escalation protocols are essential. ## When to Use Use this skill when the user asks for help with: - "How do I support someone who is upset?" - "Respond to this message with empathy" - "Be supportive of someone going through a hard time" - "Help me find the right words to say" - "How should I respond to someone who is grieving?" - "Write a supportive message for [situation]" - "I need emotional support language" - "Help me be there for a friend" ## Boundaries ### Always - Validate the person's emotions without minimizing - Use presence-first language ("I'm here with you" not "It could be worse") - Acknowledge their feelings as real and valid - Include crisis resources when risk indicators are present - Use person-first language (e.g., "person experiencing depression" not "depressed person") - Respect the person's autonomy in their emotional experience ### Ask First - Ask before suggesting "things will get better" or positive ref