Words of Sympathy When Someone Dies
These days people are opening up about bereavement and their personal journeys through grief. But you will most probably find it difficult when searching for what to say when someone dies.
If you’re already struggling to find the right words of sympathy, this can add to anxieties about saying the ‘wrong’ thing at a time when the support of friends and family is most important.
Here are things to say when someone dies and what to say to someone who is grieving.
- “I’m sorry to hear…” – It may sound like a cliché, but this is one of the best ways to show you understand and empathise.
- Acknowledge the person’s death – Start with words of sympathy such as: ‘I heard about Jason – how awful.’ Don’t be afraid to state what a terrible thing it is to have happened.
- Talk about the person who’s died – One of the main things people find hard to cope with, is how no one talks about their loved one anymore.
- Accept anger – Don’t let your own fear of someone’s tears or anger hold you back from expressing words of sympathy.
- Remember there’s no time limit on grief – Composure and a lack of tears doesn’t mean someone’s ‘doing well.’
- Keep in touch – After a funeral, support can suddenly seem to go away for the grieving person and they may feel isolated.
For help or advice contact us at Remembrance Funerals.
