One Person Can Make a Difference: The Power of Caring and Listening

Sometimes, the person who makes a difference is simply the one who cares enough to ask.

Written by Ms. Gurneet Kaur Jaitly, Counselling Psychologist

She was sitting at the dinner table, answering every question with the same two words: “I’m fine.” Her mother noticed she barely touched her food.

A father passing his son’s room noticed the door had been closed for days, and the usual laughter was gone.

A husband came home to find his wife unusually quiet. She smiled and said, “Nothing, I’m just tired.”

A friend cancelled another plan. A teacher noticed a usually cheerful student sitting alone. A colleague who always stayed back to chat suddenly began leaving without a word.

Nothing looked like a crisis. Yet something had changed.

When “I’m Fine” Doesn’t Feel Fine

The little changes we notice when we care enough to pause. Emotional struggles don’t always announce themselves. They can hide behind a smile, good grades, professional success, family responsibilities or simply getting through the day.

In Indian families, love is often expressed through food, reminders and practical care. We ask, “Have you eaten?” but sometimes forget to ask, “How are you, really?” A sudden pattern of withdrawal, irritability, loss of interest or changes in sleep, appetite, studies, work or relationships deserves curiosity rather than quick judgement.

“That sounds really difficult. I’m glad you told me.” You don’t have to solve everything. Being present without judgement can help someone feel less alone and more willing to take the next step.

When Caring Means Getting More Help

Knowing when to involve a professional is also an act of love. If distress persists, intensifies or begins affecting everyday life, encourage support from a qualified psychologist, counsellor or psychiatrist.

Expressions of hopelessness, feeling like a burden, thoughts of self-harm or not wanting to live should never be dismissed. If someone may be in immediate danger, involve a trusted person and seek urgent professional or emergency assistance.

Be the Person Who Doesn’t Walk Past

You don’t need perfect words. You just need to reach out. Call someone who has been on your mind. Send a message. Sit beside them. Invite them for chai.

Ask: “How are you, really?”

As a counselling psychologist, I believe emotional wellbeing is shaped not only in counselling rooms, but also around dinner tables, in friendships, classrooms and workplaces.

Food for Thought

You may not be able to change someone’s whole story. But your presence might remind them that they don’t have to face the next chapter alone.

Sometimes, one person can make a difference. Be that person.