Dr. Miriam Kirmayer says there are plenty of practical ways someone can show up for a friend who is going through infertility treatments.

“It’s easy to assume that setting boundaries will come at the expense of our relationships, when often it is the very thing that allows us to continue to show up as a present, supportive friend,” Dr. Miriam Kirmayer says.

It’s easy to shake off someone’s self-critical comment and move the conversation to lighter things. But if you never dig deeper, you won’t get to the root of those comments or help your bud feel understood, says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.