What do you say to a friend when they lose a loved one?

Question

Do you say anything or avoid it? Do you go to the funeral or viewing? Do you send flowers or a card? How do you handle it?

Answer 1

I lost my dad in 2004, and I am still not over it. There is not much you can say. You can let your love one know that you are their for them, and that if they want to talk your phone line is always open. There is something nice that someone did for me tho, they had an brass dove ornament engraved with my dad's name on it with date of birth and when he passed. I love that ornament because I can put it on my christmas tree, and just remember a few good memories, and it is like having a peice of him with me. Another thing is to pray for them that they are comforted in a way that is best for them. God bless :)

Answer 2

If its a really good friend you should go to the funeral or atleast the viewing. Alot of people don't like people saying I'm sorry to them it just depends on the person. You'll do what you think is best.

Answer 3

Offer to go the funeral/wake with them. Even if you didnt know the person, your friend may need your support. Theres really nothing you can say, try to avoid cliches like "he/she is in a better place now" etc. Just tell your friend that youre sorry and be there for him/her as much as possible.

Answer 4

It's always difficult trying to figure out what to say.

When my grandfather died, my friends offered their condolences but never brought it up again unless I wanted to talk about it. Even then, they said that he was in a better place and the suffering was over, and he'd want me to be happy. they didn't buy me gifts but they took me out to the movies, dinner, parties, and did other things to get my mind off it. You should let them know you're there, they'll return the favor because it's a new bond that's been made. You might want to accompany them to the funeral or viewing to show support, many people break down and need a shoulder to lean on. Be that shoulder, as corny as it sounds, but I cried on many that summer.

Answer 5

I don't think they expect you to say anything. Just be there for them. Tell them that you are there for emotional support and if they want to talk. I'd go to the viewing and/or funeral if they wanted me there. I'd send flowers.

Answer 6

The worst thing to do is ignore your friend's loss. People will often avoid the person who has lost a loved one because they don't know what to say, or they feel uncomfortable with that person's pain. What your friend needs most right now is a support system, friends who will just be there. Even if you feel that you can't think of the right things to say, your presence is what matters most.

Answer 7

Let them know you are there to support them. Go to the funeral if you are a close friend or family member. Think about what you would want if you lost someone you loved, would you want friends supporting you or would you want to be ignored?

Answer 8

offer lots of body language and few words.Actions speaks louder than words.Be a shoulder to cry on. Your presence at the funeral will be more support than you can imagine. Try distracting your friend from the grieving situation;possibly by taking them somewhere that doesn't spells death. to many words can cause added grief on this occasion.

Answer 9

Just let them know you feel for them, and you are there for them. If they request you come, or if you feel you knew their relative well enough, go. If not, you aren't obligated. A card would definetely be good, but flowers are not necessary. When a life long friend of mine lost his grandfather, whom I had been around for my friends life, I went and was there for him.

Answer 10

you tell them that you are so sorry for there lose and that in time they will heal but it will take time and to give themselves the proper time to greive and that if they ever need anything that all they have to do is call any time of day or night and you will be there for them and that they can count on you for moral, emotional, and physical support.....
that you love them and know that it is hard but they are tuff and they will move on when the time is right and you have faith in there recovery from the lose....