How to Help a Loved One in Recovery

Since coming to hospital, I've had to push myself, challenging my fears in a variety of ways. While scary and downright awful in the beginning, I now have come to realize how strong I am in The Lord. But hospital life is different from life out in the "real world". With my potential discharge date set for the not too distant future, I worry that people, loved ones, will not realize a) how I've been changing mentally or b) that I am still quite fragile and in need of support. I also worry that, when put back into familiar surroundings, I might fall back into my old familiar bad habits and behaviors. Which is why I need help. I need people to realize that it is still a battle, and encourage me, or just hold me when I am upset.
I know that a lot of people just don't know how they can help a loved one who is recovering from an eating disorder, or any disorder for that matter. So I've compiled two lists: one of things that are not helpful, and one of things that are. So here is goes:

Not Helpful/Please DO NOT do:

• Saying things like "You are looking so much better/healthier/ANYTHING" to do with appearance. I know that you are trying to be kind and encourage me, but these words get twisted by my ED and make me panic and get upset. 
• Comment negatively on OTHERS' appearance. Equally hurtful. Spread the love, ok?
• Getting angry when I am upset and need to just cry. Sometimes I will be downright bratty and need to be by myself. It's nothing personal. I still love you, a lot.
• Comment on what I eat/how I eat/amount I eat. Keep the conversation on things OTHER than food, just to be safe.
• Compare me to others, or myself. As my mum would say "To compare is to despair." And it's true.
• Talk about diets, weight, exercise. It's just not something to discuss with someone who has struggled with abusing these things.
• Mention that you skipped a meal, barely ate, or are avoiding foods. I'm sorry, but I simply don't care that you skipped breakfast because you woke up late and were in a hurry, or that you are avoiding gluten, or dairy, or carbs, or fats, or other foods for reasons other than medical. (ie. if you are celiac, do not, I repeat, do NOT feel the need to eat a bagel! ;) )

Helpful Things you CAN do:

• Distract me from negative thinking. Games, puzzles, and especially talking games, like "Would you Rather?" or "Truth or Dare" etc.
• Be an Open Ear when I need to Vent. Sometimes, I don't want advice, I just need to talk my feelings out, and I just need someone to listen.
• Respect that I am still ME, not just my ED. Morrigan's still in there. She's just been on the mend for a while.
• Remind me of SPECIFIC things I can do/look forward to with recovery. Travel, friendships, etc.
• Engage me in projects/activities. Want to reorganize your closet? I'm there. Learn a new language? Let's do it together! 
• Engage me in conversation. I don't want it always to be about me. Tell me about YOUR life, and what's going on with YOU. Ask for advice, just talk to me.
• Just hug me. Enough said.

Hopefully you found this helpful and that you and your loved ones that are in recovery can benefit from it. I love you guys. Enjoy your Saturday!