Picture This:

You’re walking up the 12th hole with your friend, Jamie.

Three years of golf together and usually by now he's taking the piss out of your driving or complaining about the pin positions.

Today he’s quiet. Not in a “thinking about his swing” way, more in a “head’s somewhere else” way.
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You’ve clocked it building for weeks. Less messages in the group chat. Pulled out of last weekend’s round. That usual spark, dimmed.

Now it’s just the two of you walking toward the green. Perfect moment. No audience. No pressure.
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You could ignore it, head to the bar, and talk about the football. Or you could try something small.
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“You alright today, mate? Seem a bit off.”
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Jamie stops walking. Looks at his feet. "Yeah, just... work's been stressful. And Sarah and I had another massive argument last night. I don't know, just feeling a bit shit, to be honest."
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And just like that, you’re in. You noticed something, said something small, and gave him space. That’s how these chats can start.