Etiquette for Sympathy Cards
An unpleasant fact is that everyone will suffer losses. Sending a sympathy card is an appropriate way to send condolences to a grieving family member. As with any difficult situation, writing a sympathy card requires thought, and it can be difficult to express feelings appropriately. Simple etiquette helps the process of expressing sympathy.
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Time Frame
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Send a sympathy card as soon as possible after a death. Do not allow too much time to lapse between the death and sending the card.
Recipient
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Send the card to the person closest to the deceased, usually the widow or widower. If you didn't know the deceased person, send the card to the person in the family that you do know.
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Wording
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Wording on a sympathy card should be short and thoughtful. Common phrases include for the recipient to accept the sender's condolences and that the deceased will always remain in the sender's heart. Unless you are sending a card to immediate family, always put both your first and last name when signing the sympathy card.
Avoidances
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Be sympathetic to the feelings of the family. Avoid adding phrases to the sympathy card that suggest the sender knows how the family feels or that the deceased is better off because the suffering is over. Also, avoid telling the bereaved to call if they need anything.
Follow Up Correspondence
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The recipient should acknowledge the receipt of a sympathy card with a thank you note.
Money
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A sympathy card should not include money of any kind.
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