How long should I stay at the hospital to visit my friend?

Question

My best friend is 16...I am too. She is in the hospital, and I was just wondering how long it would be appropriate to stay. Her immediate family and boyfriend is there too. It is a big room all to herself.

Answer 1

I would say it depends on why she is in hospital.  

Does she have a broken leg and is just laying around in bed bored out of her mind?  Stay as long as you like and the two of you are enjoying the visit.

Did she have surgery and is groggy and out of it?  Stop in to say hi and let her know you care about her, but don't stay more than a few minutes.

Is she receving treatment for an ongoing illness such as cancer?  It is likely she will have bouts of feeling okay and then the absolute opposite where she may need to be sick and the like.  Call that one by ear.  If she's up and about, stay a little longer.  If she's feeling sick, maybe just stop in for a couple of minutes.

Answer 2

Just ask her how long she wants you to stay with her. How long would you want her to stay with you if you were in the hospital?

Answer 3

I think a lot depends on her condition. Is she tired and looking like she needs a rest or is she chatty and upbeat?

You can play it by ear. If her parents and boyfriend step out to eat for a while and she seems to want the company maybe stay longer.

Ask her how she is feeling and if she says tired or sore don't stay as long. Let her do a good bit of the talking, be a good listener. If you want you can take her a little gift, balloon or flowers if not in intensive care.

Probably about an hour or less, if she is pretty tired probably more like a half hour. Since you are best friends she probably would like a longer visit from you than other people.

You can come out and ask her, say I'd like to visit but could you tell me when you are getting tired or need to rest since I don't want to stay too long. If she is the type who speaks her mind readily she may tell you.

You are nice to visit and a good friend.