I don't think there was anything wrong with saying you were there for him.

One thing I learned about MLC is that those in it have their self-esteem issues magnified 10-fold. So while you can say you will be there for him, you are not trying to fix him.

The goal is to "direct" his thinking. Not tell him directly but guide him back.

M-43 W-40
2D - 9 and 5

Emotion, yet peace.
Ignorance, yet knowledge.
Passion, yet serenity.
Chaos, yet harmony.
Death, yet a new life.

RECONCILED AND WISER