examples of what to say to someone who is grieving?
8838
['I am so sorry for your loss.', 'I wish I had the right words, just know I care.', "I don't know how you feel, but I am here to help in any way I can.", 'You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers.', 'My favorite memory of your loved one is…', 'I am always just a phone call away.']
399200
['“Can I bring you a meal?” ... ', '“I know how much you loved this baby. ... ', '“Remember to be kind to yourself. ... ', '“Our entire family grieves with you.” ... ', '“You and _______ are in my heart.” ... ', "“I love you, and I'm so sorry you are going through this pain.”"]
169893
["Even though I feel sorry for your loss today, I also remember your birthday is today. I pray your pain eases as you appreciate God's loving gift of life today. ... ", 'So sorry for your pain and grief. ... ', 'Sometimes people we love go ahead to heaven to prepare a nice apartment for us there.']
47374
So to start off comforting someone, simply describe what you're seeing/sensing. Say something like, “I know you're having such a hard time with this,” or “I'm sorry you're hurting so much.” Also affirm that you hear what they're saying by saying it back to them in your own words.
139311
['Encourage writing and drawing stories.', 'Talk about the person.', 'Acknowledge the person and the loss.', 'Role play.', 'Ask questions and listen.', 'Tell stories about the day, the moments, the person.', 'Be aware of what “might” be happening in her mind and with her peers.']
358809
['“I\'m so sorry for your loss. I\'m here for you."', '2. “ Remember you are not alone. ... ', '3. “ I\'m thinking of you."', '4. “ I love you so much and I imagine you feel [awful] right now, but I just had to remind you of how wonderful I think you are."', '5. “']
569167
["“I know this wasn't an easy decision to make. ... ", "“I don't like this, but we're going to do our best with this time.”", "“I'm sad, of course, but I'm also glad you're in a place where you don't have to fight so hard anymore.”", "“I'm praying for you to feel at peace and to know how much you're loved.”"]
684476
["“I'm not sure exactly what to say, but I want you to know I care.”", '“You are in my thoughts/prayers.”', '“Can I bring you a dinner this week? ... ', '“If you want to talk about him/her, please feel free to call (or text) anytime.”', "“If you need me, I'll be there. ... ", '“My favorite memory with (____) is…”']
81445
["1. “ I'm so sorry for your loss. ... ", '2. “ Remember you are not alone. ... ', '3. “ I\'m thinking of you."', '4. “ ... ', '5. “ ... ', '“Look on the bright side."', '"You must be devastated."', '“At least you know you can get pregnant."']
623316
To start a conversation, it can help to say things like 'I know this is very difficult, but maybe it would help if we talked about how we feel, and what the future may bring'. Let them know that you feel sad too. Sharing feelings will help you both cope better.
16165
["“I'm not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care.”", "“I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this.”", '“How are you doing?”', "“If you would like to talk about it, I'm here.”", '“Please let me know how I can help.”', "“I'll keep you in my thoughts.”"]
271946
["I'm sorry.", 'I care about you.', 'He/she will be dearly missed.', 'He/she is in my thoughts and prayers.', 'You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.', 'You are important to me.', 'My condolences.', 'I hope you find some peace today.']
82278
["“I'm sorry.”", "“I'm so sorry for your loss.”", "“I'm sorry to hear the news.”", "“I'm thinking of you.”", "“I'm not sure what to say or do but I am here and I am so sorry.”", "“Please let me know if there's anything you need.”"]
28935
['Thinking of you during your difficult time. ... ', "I am so sorry you're going through this. ... ", 'Sending all of our love and support your way.']
109674
What you can say instead: “You have my deepest sympathy,” “I'm so saddened to hear about your loss,” “My deepest condolences,” or “My thoughts and prayers are with you.” Just let them know that you care about them and their grief instead of offering empty placations about losing the man they loved.
457477
['Be intentional, show sympathy, and offer a listening ear. ... ', "Instead of trying to come up with the perfect words, express your sympathy with a simple, “I'm so sorry for your loss.” Then be quiet and truly listen to your friend. ... ", "Even if you've sent a sympathy note, call to express your condolences."]
58312
["Don't say, “It's going to be OK” ... ", 'But do say something. ... ', "Do make clear that you'll be there for them. ... ", "Do be careful about saying, “I'll pray for you” ... ", 'Do try to create a semblance of normalcy. ... ', "Do ask how they're doing — today. ... ", 'Do be a good listener. ... ', "Don't get squirmy at the end."]