What not to say to a grieving person?

  • “How are you doing?”
  • “You'll be okay after a while.”
  • “I understand how you feel.”
  • “You shouldn't feel that way.”
  • “Stop crying.”
  • “At least he's in a better place; his suffering is over.”
  • “At least she lived a long life, many people die young.”
  • “She brought this on herself.”


What not to say when people are grieving?

What not to say to someone who's dealing with death
  1. Don't fall into the fix-it trap. ...
  2. Don't give solutions or advise people. ...
  3. Don't tell people that they're “strong” ...
  4. Don't try to make sense of it. ...
  5. Don't try to one-up their pain. ...
  6. Don't use “loved one” when referring to the person who's died.


What are 3 things you can do to comfort a grieving person?

Here are some ways you can give support to someone who is grieving:
  1. Be a good listener. ...
  2. Respect the person's way of grieving. ...
  3. Accept mood swings. ...
  4. Avoid giving advice. ...
  5. Refrain from trying to explain the loss. ...
  6. Help out with practical tasks. ...
  7. Stay connected and available. ...
  8. Offer words that touch the heart.


What can I say instead of sorry for your loss?

What to say instead of sorry for your loss?
  • “I'm thinking of you during this difficult time”
  • “You are in my thoughts, and I'm here if you need to talk or hold my hand”
  • “I'm sorry you're going through this”
  • “I was saddened to hear of Michael's passing, and my thoughts are with you and your family.”


What are helpful things to say to a grieving person?

Things that can be helpful
  • Say how sorry you are. ...
  • Share a memory. ...
  • Offer them space to talk. ...
  • Tell them however they feel is OK. ...
  • Recognise how hard it is for them. ...
  • Ask if there is anything they need. ...
  • Tell them you're thinking of them. ...
  • Sometimes you don't need to say anything.


What to Say to a Grieving Person (And What Not to Say!)



How do you console a grieving person through text?

Condolence text messages examples to send to grieving loved ones
  1. I'm so sorry to hear about your [uncle's, aunt's, father's] passing. ...
  2. Please know that I'm thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
  3. Your mother was a loving and caring woman. ...
  4. I'm devastated by the news of your friend's passing.


What to text someone who is still grieving?

Examples of Mourning Texts
  • Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you, praying for you, and grieving with you.
  • I'm here if you ever need to talk.
  • My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.
  • Can I bring you anything? ...
  • I'm sorry for your loss.
  • Just wanted to share my favorite photo of [name] with you.


What to say when there are no words?

Whenever I struggle to find the words or don't have an answer, I may say:
  1. “I hear you. ...
  2. “I'm going to take some time to think about how I want to answer that.”
  3. “I don't have an answer, let's look for one together.”
  4. “I hear you saying (then reflect what you heard them say).”


Should you text someone sorry for your loss?

The answer is yes, if you are comfortable doing so. Texting a condolence is an efficient way to immediately reach out to friends and family. A heartfelt message lets those who are grieving know we are thinking of them. Receiving these short, meaningful messages allows the bereaved to feel comforted and supported.

What are the best condolences?

Short condolence messages
  • I'm so sorry for your loss.
  • My heart breaks for you.
  • This hurts, and it sucks!
  • You are in my prayers.
  • My heart is with you at this time.
  • I love you, and I'm here for you.
  • I'm so sorry you are hurting.
  • Sending love and peace.


What is the most common way to deal with grief?

How to deal with the grieving process
  • Acknowledge your pain.
  • Accept that grief can trigger many different and unexpected emotions.
  • Understand that your grieving process will be unique to you.
  • Seek out face-to-face support from people who care about you.
  • Support yourself emotionally by taking care of yourself physically.


How do you get stronger when grieving?

Take some time to read through this article for some helpful suggestions.
  1. Allow Yourself Space to Grieve. ...
  2. Relinquish AnyNegative Feelings. ...
  3. Ask for Help. ...
  4. Take Time for Yourself. ...
  5. Be There for Others Who Are Grieving the Loss. ...
  6. Need More Help Coping with the Death of a Parent?


How do you console someone using words?

Show up in the ways you know you'd need it, if you were in their place.
  1. “I'm here for you” is a good place to start. ...
  2. “I am always here for you. ...
  3. “Just letting them know, you are there anytime day or night.” ...
  4. “They just need you talk to them like a good friend. ...
  5. “Just be there with hugs and say, I'm so sorry!”


What should you not do when someone dies?

3 Things You Should NOT Do After Someone Dies
  1. Don't make big decisions that you are not required to make. ...
  2. Don't make major purchases. ...
  3. Don't be quick to give away money, or “stuff.” Often, I see clients giving away larger gifts to children after a spouse passes, including their own or the deceased spouse's possessions.


Should you be alone while grieving?

Solitude in grief is both necessary and healing. If you are someone who avoids solitude, however, through constant distraction, busyness, or attachment to others, you may be avoiding your normal, necessary pain.

Should you visit someone who is grieving?

When someone experiences the loss of a loved one, visiting the bereaved in person is a thoughtful way to convey the deepest sympathy and offer support.

How often should you check on someone who is grieving?

Your friend or relative may need you even more after the first few weeks and months, when other people may stop calling. Check in every now and then just to say hello (you may find it helpful to put reminders on your calendar). Most bereaved people find it difficult to reach out and need others to take the initiative.


When should you text someone after a death?

When And How Should You Reach Out?
  1. If you are a close friend or relative: Call or text immediately, find a time to visit the bereaved at home, and continue to stay in touch on a daily basis.
  2. If you are a casual friend or extended friend: Send an email or text immediately and follow up after the funeral.


What are the comfort words?

Words of Comfort for a Friend
  • Know that my prayers are covering you.
  • I am always here for you, no matter what or when.
  • Praying for you to have peace during this difficult time.
  • I know this is hard. I love you.
  • You can cry, talk, go take a nap, or be silent around me. I won't be offended, I just want to support you.


How do you strongly say no?

10 different ways to say no
  1. Sadly, I have something else going on.
  2. I have another commitment.
  3. I wish I were able to.
  4. I'm afraid I can't.
  5. I don't have the bandwidth for that right now.
  6. I'm honored you asked me, but I simply can't.
  7. Thanks for thinking of me. ...
  8. I'm sorry, I'm not able to fit this in.


What is a smart way to say no?

I'm honored, but can't. I'd love to, but I can't. I appreciate the invitation, but I am completely booked. Thanks for thinking of me, but I can't.

How do you comfort someone who is grieving over the phone?

Steps for Comforting Someone Who's Upset Over the Phone
  1. Affirm their feelings. ...
  2. Encourage them to open up. ...
  3. Give them an invitation to talk. ...
  4. Listen without interruption. ...
  5. Allow them to express emotion. ...
  6. Don't be the first to hang up. ...
  7. Be there for them. ...
  8. Don't try and fix it.


How do you empathize someone who is grieving?

In general, to express empathy consider:
  1. Practicing listening without distractions.
  2. Listen more than talk.
  3. Maintain centered and open body language.
  4. Keep eye contact.
  5. Allow for spaces of silence as needed by the griever.
  6. Ask questions about the relationship, the griever's feelings and anxieties and ways in which you can help.


What do you say in difficult times?

Show them you sympathise by saying:
  • "It sounds like you're dealing with a lot at the moment"
  • "I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling like this right now"
  • "I'm really glad you're sharing this with me"


What should you not say to console someone?

  • “How are you doing?”
  • “You'll be okay after a while.”
  • “I understand how you feel.”
  • “You shouldn't feel that way.”
  • “Stop crying.”
  • “At least he's in a better place; his suffering is over.”
  • “At least she lived a long life, many people die young.”
  • “She brought this on herself.”