We have to be ever on our guard against over-helping.
Our aim should always be to inspire in our friend new energy, to develop in him the noblest strength, to bring out his best manhood.
Over-helping defeats these offices of friendship.
There is one particular point at which a special word of caution may well be spoken.

We need to guard our sympathies when we would comfort and help those who are suffering or are in trouble of any kind.

It may seem a severe thing to say, but illness is ofttimes made worse by the pity of friends.

There is in weak natures a tendency to indulge sickness, to exaggerate its symptoms, to imagine that it is more serious than it really is, and easily to succumb to its influence.

You find your friend indisposed, and you are profuse in your expressions of sympathy, encouraging or suggesting fears, urging prompt medical help.
You think you have shown kindness, but very likely you have done sore injury.