How to socialize with recently laid-off friends.

When one of your besties gets laid off, it can sting as much as if it were your own job being cut. It's not entirely weird to have sympathy pains for your pals, because to an extent, there will be some changes to your own life- - mostly your social one. It's a tricky time for your circle of friends, but here's a few ways to keep their spirits high and social life alive.

Avoid the Pity Party
It's okay to be sympathetic, but you can't sit Shiva forever for a friend's lost job. Not only does it keep your friend in mourning, it doesn't help her move forward with positive thinking. You can certainly offer a "cheer up" dinner on you shortly after it happens, but from then, on buying her dinner every night will only make her feel like she's incapable.

Revamp, Don't Cancel
You and your posse do dinner and drinks every Thursday night- - a tradition that's been in effect since "dinner" consisted of a group trip to the college dining hall. If you cancel it altogether, it's going to be blatantly obvious it's because of your laid off friend and she'll feel so guilty, it'll do a number on your group dynamic. Instead of canceling, opt to host the evening at your place. The cuisine might be cooked in the microwave and the wine might come from a box, but dinner and drinks with the girls will still be in full effect.

Don't Make the Decisions FOR Her
You want to be supportive, but you can't cancel every night out nor can you plan every get together to be at someone's house. If a trip to a club is planned and your unemployed friend is on board, don't step in and try to talk her out of it. It's overstepping your boundaries and if she's not making a habit of it, getting out for a night will actually be good for her.