Comfort someone who is grieving

Words that are meant to console the bereaved can in some cases have the opposite effect. Help out with practical tasks. A bereaved person may be glad to have help with activities like grocery shopping, preparing meals, making phone calls, doing laundry, babysitting and so on.

Stay connected and available. There is no timetable for grief. People who are grieving need time to heal, so be patient. Let the bereaved person know that you will check in often. Offer words that touch the heart. Simple words are often the best. How can I help? You may want to think about changing what you say depending on who you are speaking to, how well you know them, and who they are mourning. Here are a few comforting words to say when someone dies in specific situations:.

While it's simple to find a few words to comfort someone who is grieving , it's even easier to say the wrong thing without even realizing it. Individuals who recently lost a loved one are going through an emotional time and the littlest thing can set them off. Be extra sensitive to those who unexpectedly lost an immediate family member.

If you are still struggling with finding words to comfort someone who is grieving, remember to avoid cliches and statements that are likely to be viewed as unsympathetic. Do not say things like:. If you are signing a sympathy card or are writing a note, remember to keep it short and simple. Include a sincere statement and a few short sentences that express how much you care. You can also include a prayer card, funeral money or a donation to a favorite charity.

Things to avoid in written expressions of sympathy include:. Sometimes you may prefer to send your condolences along with a traditional gift, such as flowers, food or a beautifully designed card. It's not always easy comforting someone whose friend or family died, but it is important to acknowledge the loss as soon as possible.

If you aren't able to send a sympathy card, a quick phone call is acceptable, as well as an email. Do not send a text message.

Remember, any form of condolence will mean the world to the grieving individual. The Right Words of Comfort for Someone Grieving With a little thought, you can find comforting phrases that express exactly what you want to say to comfort a grieving friend or family member. Keep the following list of bereavement messages on file in case you are hard-pressed to find something to say to someone who lost a loved one: I'm sorry.

I care about you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You are important to me. My condolences. I hope you find some peace today. Be kind to yourself. Do you want to tell me about the deceased's name? I'm here for you. I wish I could take your pain away. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you.

I am saddened to hear about deceased's name passing. I am so sorry that you are going through this. I can't imagine what you're feeling, but I am totally here for you. Know that I will be here to support you through all of this.

Nothing I say can change what happened, but I am here for you and your family during this time. My heart hurts knowing that deceased's name has passed away. I've lost a loved one before and can understand what you may be feeling.

Try to hit a good balance between imposing on them and letting them know you're really serious about helping. We can hang out or you can take a nap, whatever is most helpful! Here are some examples of texts to comfort a grieving friend after the funeral, or at least after the initial period of shock and grief. These would be second, third, etc, texts to send after the death of their loved one.

Make a note of the day the loved one died. Set a reminder for yourself for a month, or six months, and especially a year after the person's death, reminding you to send a comforting text to your friend. Now that you know a little more about texting a grieving friend, you may want to go to the next level and send a token of your love and support. Here are some comforting memorial and sympathy gifts you can have shipped directly to your friend.

Please note that these include affiliate links, where we may make a commission at no cost to you if you purchase a gift on our recommendation. This "Raise a glass in memory of" bottle opener is made in-house here in Oregon, handcrafted from real wood and custom engraved to order.

It's a super-affordable gift, much less expensive than flowers, and lasts way longer. This Cedar Wood Bird Feeder Sympathy Gift is a great idea for when you're not sure what to send to your grieving friend. It goes outdoors, so it won't clutter up the house. It's personalized with the loved one's name and optional dates, and it has a charming, life-affirming feel.

Shown with the "Bird on a Branch" artwork, you can also choose from many more themes, including Golf, Military, Celtic Cross, and so on.

This simple and affordable sympathy gift box includes a candle with decorative matches , a succulent, and a card. The sympathy card includes personalization with your own text or other message.

Gorgeous wooden plaque handcrafted in the USA and personalized to order. Includes the decedent's name and dates.

Available here. These candles make a nice gift because they actually don't yell out "sympathy - death - memorial - your loved one is gone. Instead, give the gift of a premium candle set. Made from high-quality soy blended wax hand-poured in the USA, these are available individually or in sets of three. Here at Urns Northwest, our specialty is not only memorial and sympathy gifts but also the very finest cremation urns. Start by looking at our 12 Most Popular Memorial Urns , then browse our full and extensive collection here.

Just do it. Tip 2 - If you don't know what to say, say so You don't have to know the perfect thing to say. Tip 3 - Avoid cliches You know the ones I mean. Just steer clear of the syrupy, false-comfort ones. Tip 4 - Volunteer your help Offer to be there for your friend in specific ways. What do you usually get there? I have no words But I want you to know I love you and am here for you. Oh friend! I just heard about [name], I'm so sorry! I heard about [name] and want you to know I am thinking of you in this difficult time.