Sometimes people in public places seem to need help.

And some percentage of those times, they actually do need help.

It’s good to offer help, but a lot of times people do it in a way that is invasive and unhelpful.

Here’s a way that’s good:

1) Ask if someone wants help. Some good phrases are “Would you like help?” or “Can I help you?”

2) Wait for a response. This is important, because sometimes the answer is no – and sometimes your instinct about what would help could actually hurt the person you are trying to help.

3) Listen to the answer, and help the person according to their instructions rather than your intuitions.