Let your friend talk and get his feelings out in the open. Let him know you are listening by saying "I'm sorry" or "I can't imagine how you must feel." If your friend is having trouble opening up to you, try asking open-ended questions like "what happened?" or "what's going on?"

Focus on her feelings and not your own. You may have had a friendship with the divorcing spouse, and the news of their separation may come as a shock to you, but put your friend's feelings first.

Help your friend find a support group in your area, which can provide support and information. If none are available, suggest books on the subject of divorce. A couple of titles to recommend include "Rebuilding: When Your Relationship Ends (3rd Edition)" by Bruce Fisher; "The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death Divorce, and Other Losses" by John W. James; and "Crazy Time: Surviving Divorce and Building a New Life, Revised Edition" by Abigail Trafford.

Be patient. It may take your friend some time to deal with her situation, especially if the reason for the divorce is particularly painful. If your friend is not ready to open up just yet, make sure she knows that you are there and ready to listen.

Offer a change of scenery to your friend. Being in the home that was shared with his divorcing spouse may bring out feelings of pain and anger. Go to a park or your own house. If your friend seems to be up to it, suggest going to a movie or other activity to help get his mind off real life.