How to Write a Good Condolence Letter
Writing a good, heartfelt condolence letter to someone who has just experienced a great loss can be one of the most complicated and tasking things to do. It can be so difficult to determine what exactly to say to someone who is going through such a life-changing experience. However, several tips can make the condolence letter-writing process significantly easier.
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Instructions
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Be prompt. It is considerate to send condolence letters in a prompt manner, such as within two weeks after the person has experienced the loss. Do not wait any longer than that to pen the letter, in order to avoid seeming like you do not care.
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Keep the letter brief. When someone is going through a trying life experience, they most likely will not have time to go through piles of lengthy letters, especially since they will want to send everyone a written response.
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Avoid worrying about eloquence. You do not have to be a poet when it comes to writing condolence letters, as it is simply the emotion and thought that counts. It is understandably difficult to word things in an artful way during a time of grieving.
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Be sensitive. It is a common pitfall for people to say to others that they are aware of how the other person is feeling. Simply put, it is impossible for someone to know exactly how a sufferer is feeling, because grief is a personal thing that differs depending on the individual case.
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Indicate the effect that the loss has on you and exactly how it made you feel, and by doing this convey your feelings of sympathy and sadness. Make it known that you truly care and offer your help, whether it is by allowing the person to confide in you as a friend or by periodically assisting with chores around the person's household.
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Share some positive memories that you have of the lost person. This can be anything from a funny memory that you all experienced together to a memorable characteristic that the deceased person possessed, whether it was a razor-sharp wit or an uncanny ability to imitate voices and mannerisms.
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Tips & Warnings
To add a more thoughtful touch, try to mail a written condolence letter, instead of typing it or sending it via email.
Unless you are 100 percent sure that the person you are writing to is of the same religious affiliation as you, try to stay away from making any specific religious references.
References
Resources
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