Penelope Trunk wrote a great article this week entitled How to talk to a friend who’s been laid off.  Her tips are, as usual, insightful and witty, but I think she missed an easy layup.

In many cases it’s not how you talk to a friend who’s been laid off, but that you talk to him.  Out of sight out of mind and all that.

Keeping in touch with friends who are between jobs can benefit both parties.  On multiple levels.

Sure, it can be awkward, and you’ll have to put aside that nagging feeling of “but for the grace of God” that nibbles at your guilt receptors.  But in the end you’ll both feel better.  And the person you reach out to won’t soon forget the kindness.