I ran into a family who I know only as acquaintenances in a restaurant. Since we live in a small town, I was aware from word of mouth that they had just lost their adult son, but since this was in a public place and I don't know them too well, I simply greeted them with a hello and a smile. What would have been the appropriate greeting in this situation?
2006-06-07 11:24:09 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I think you pretty much did great! Why remind them of their loss. Good job!
2006-06-07 11:28:11 · answer #1 · answered by Bobby Paycheque 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just lost my husband (I am 33). I think it is very polite to give a little hug and say you are thinking of them. If a hug isn't appropriate, let them know you have been thinking of them. Sometimes I find it very rude when I know someone (I too live in a small town) and they do not somehow address my loss. It is not that I want attention but it breaks the ice of the situation.
2006-06-07 20:12:20 · answer #2 · answered by QQQ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did fine, sometimes just doing whatever feels most natural is best because forcing something might end up sounding fake. If you're ever in that situation again you can still say hello and smile and then just say "I heard about your loss and I'm very sorry." If you knew their son tell them that you will never forget him, this is one thing that makes people more at ease if they know that their loved one will be remembered not only by them but by friends and neighbours too.
2006-06-07 22:16:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This year, already I have lost my aunt, my oldest brother, and a dear friend. I like your response to just greet the family with a hello and a smile. They have heard enough of the other. You did "good".
2006-06-07 19:26:37 · answer #4 · answered by LOUISE M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An appropriate greeting would be something like, "I heard about your loss. My condolences." or simply "I was sorry to hear of your loss."
2006-06-14 17:32:03 · answer #5 · answered by Garfield 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did the right thing. But you may want to send them a card expressing your condolences for their loss.
2006-06-14 17:30:55 · answer #6 · answered by Samba Queen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something like:"Hey, how's Joey doing? Haven't seen him in ages! Bet he's somewhere nice enjoying himself away from the humdrum of our boring lives,right?"
2006-06-07 18:28:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I'm so sorry for your loss."
2006-06-07 18:27:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋