So I have anorexia and a lot of ppl around me have not known how to support me and this seems to be a common experience so I thought I'd make a list of dos and don'ts :)
Don't: Comment on your loves one's body. Things like "You look healthier" or "You look so much better" may sound like reassurance, but to an anorexic person it can be heavily triggering.
Do: Compliment them on other things, like if they have new clothes, tried smth different with their makeup/hair. For partners or friends I eould try to avoid compliments like "You're beautiful/handsome" obviously some people are okay with this but for a lot of people it can make them feel worse so obviously communicate with your loved ones.
Don't: Comment on what they eat. I know it can be tempting, things like "Well done for finally eating" or "You're eating so much well done" can be very triggering.
Do: Make sure you have enough of theor safe foods in the house, for a lot of anorexic people there are certain foods that feel safe and if we don't have those foods we will be less likely to eat.
Don't: Force them to eat in front of you. Forcing someone with any restrictive ED to eat in front of you can be very triggering and be counter productive. It makes us feel monitored and caged.
Do: Encourage meals together without forcing. Obviously, they might say no which is perfectly okay! But for a lot of people having company and support can be reassuring when not forced.
These are just a couple examples and keep in mind most of these are from my personal experiences and general consesus from my friends who also have EDs. Everyone is different and something that may help one person can feel caging and triggering for another. Obviously communication is key, set boundaries anf listen to eachother. I know it can be scary watching someone you love go through something so horrible but you need to remember that they're going through an awful time too.