Setting the scene
Interrupt: “Come help me for a minute.”
Real moments. A few choices. Words that work.
Give your friend an easy exit with a simple distraction. Practice the moment in a short Surefoot lesson.
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You are at a crowded party with your friend Maya. Across the room, you notice she keeps stepping back from someone, and they keep stepping closer.
At a party, someone is crowding your friend and ignoring her attempts to step away.
How could you help without escalating?
- Interrupt: “Come help me for a minute.”
- Film it and post it.
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Interrupt: “Come help me for a minute.”
A distraction can give your friend an exit without confronting the person. You can create a distraction or ask staff for assistance. Check with your friend, prioritize safety, and do not post recordings of someone’s distress.
Your next step
Give your friend an easy exit with a simple distraction.
Words you can use
“Come with me for a minute.”
Sources: Right To Be
Questions about “Be the friend who notices.”
Why does using a simple distraction help protect a friend without escalating?
Using a distraction creates a quick exit for your friend without initiating a direct confrontation with the person crowding them. Interrupting the situation with a neutral request takes the focus off your friend and gives them a safe reason to step away immediately. This approach lowers the risk of hostility while prioritizing your friend's immediate safety.
Source: Right To Be
How can I phrase a distraction to help my friend step away?
You can say, "Come help me for a minute" or "Come with me for a minute" to give your friend a smooth excuse to walk away. Using a casual, direct phrase allows your friend to leave the uncomfortable situation without needing to explain themselves or confront the person crowding them.
Source: Right To Be
What should I do if I cannot safely interrupt the situation myself?
Ask venue staff or someone nearby for assistance if interrupting directly feels unsafe or does not work. You can also create a different distraction or seek help from people around you to ensure your friend gets the support they need without putting yourself in danger.
Source: Right To Be
Why should I avoid filming and posting someone in distress?
You should not post recordings of someone's distress because publishing their experience without permission violates their privacy and does not provide immediate help. Prioritize giving your friend direct support or getting assistance rather than recording the event for social media.
Source: Right To Be
How can I support my friend after removing them from the situation?
Check in with your friend immediately after stepping away to ask what they need and ensure they feel safe. Listen to what they want to do next, respect their decisions, and help them find further assistance or leave the venue if that is what they prefer.
Source: Right To Be
Last updated October 11, 2026.