Never do this when you visit the hospital

Tip #6. Never assume that you understand

Maybe you had an aunt who had cancer. 
That does not mean that you understand what every cancer patient feels. 

Even more painfully, just because your dad died doesn’t mean that you fully understand when a friend loses her dad. 

Never say, “I know how you feel.” 

You don’t. 

Instead, you could say, “If I were you, I might feel scared.” 

That communicates that you are trying to put yourself in their shoes, not just giving advice you think they need. 

Never assume that you understand.