I went into this article expecting crap, but was pleasantly surprised to find a well written solution to a common issue. While I believe an encouraging statement is helpful, it is indeed more helpful to allow people to deal with their issues directly first.

Only after facing reality should we find something to help us stay positive, but the cold truth is that it can be more helpful to let someone know that their circumstances plain suck. Afterwards, we might help them face those terrible circumstances, not with platitudes, but with courage and determination, acknowledging that everyone in the world falls down once in a while.

Good article.