Need advice: Acquaintance recently separated

[Anonymous]

A mom who know through my DC's school (our kids are friends) recently separated. She will often mention things about life in her new situation and since I don't know her that well I am looking for some advice from those who've BTDT. I am married and can't relate to what she's going through. Just want to be friendly; I don't want to say anything that might offend.

[Anonymous]

That's really nice of you. If she has mentioned it, it's fine to say something like - I'm really sorry let me know if there's anything I can do.

[Anonymous]

Listen, offer to help. If she has sole custody offer a play date; if they have shared custody, invite her out sometime when she doesn't have the kids, just the two of you, if you're up for lending an ear. If she's talking about this stuff to someone she doesn't know well, it's a good bet she's feeling alone and reaching out to connect with you. Being separated is lonely, overwhelming, and so many other things, and if you have it in you to offer support it would be a phenomenally kind thing to do.

[Anonymous]

Just keep things casual if you do not really know her too well. I would just stay neutral + be more of a sounding board vs. an adviser since you don't really know her too well as of yet.

I don't know what you could say that could offend her.

[Anonymous]

Just listen, to the extent you care to, and be supportive. Don't get overly involved - if you don't know her that well you have no context for knowing whether or not you want to be drawn in.

It can be hard to extricate yourself when you get caught up in someone else's drama if they're the sort to latch on.