How to Express Sympathy or Condolences

When a friend or loved one loses someone close to them, it's difficult to know the appropriate way to express condolences or sympathy. The biggest mistake many people make is to do nothing, or assume that grieving is a private or personal matter. How do you know when you're being intrusive? It's natural to have these concerns, but it's always best to do something. Follow these tips to know how to express your sympathy in a non-intrusive way.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. If someone you see every day, like a coworker or relative, approach them as soon as possible and say something simple, such as "I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help." It's simple and to the point.

2. If you were close to the person who passed away, you can write a letter to their family that tells your favorite story or memory of that person. When people are grieving, they often feel better when they hear how much others cared for or loved the deceased.

3. Try to think of something helpful you can do for the person who is grieving, depending on how well you know them. You could offer to cook dinner for them, clean the house, or mow the lawn. Just make sure you follow through, because most people will not come looking for you to take you up on your offer.

4. If it's a person you don't know very well, a great way to show sympathy and condolences is to donate to a charity that meant something to the person who passed away. If the person was a Catholic, sending a mass card lets the family know that prayers are being said for the deceased.

5. Attend the funeral and/or wake. The fact that you came will be greatly appreciated.

6. Check in with the family of the deceased a few weeks or a month after the funeral. Once all of the funeral planning and wake is over, those who are mourning feel more alone than ever as everyone else goes back to their own lives. This is the time your sympathy is needed the most.