How to Give Condolences When Someone Passes Away

Just being there for a grieving person can provide comfort.

Talking to someone who has lost a loved one can be an awkward experience. Whether a friend, relative or acquaintance is grieving, you may feel that finding the right words to comfort the grieving person is difficult. While each person's grief is unique, there are a few tips that can help you offer condolences in all situations. What you say is not nearly as important as just letting the grief-stricken person know that you are there for her.

Instructions

1. Send a sympathy card and flowers. Keep your note short and simple and if applicable, share a sweet story about the person who has passed away.

2. Let your loved one know that you are thinking about her and offer to listen if she needs to talk. Hug her and let her cry as much as she needs to.

3. Offer to help with day to day activities. A grieving person may feel overwhelmed by normal activities such as cooking and cleaning. Offering to bring a meal or watch the kids for a few hours can bring great relief.

Tips & Warnings

• Phrases such as "It must have been his time," or "Time heals all wounds" should always be avoided. These sayings minimize the grieving person's pain.

References

• Comfort and Grace: How to Write a Sympathy Card
• Obituaries Help: Words of Condolences - The Essentials for Choosing the Perfect Words of Condolences