your talking to some one and they tell you that some one they knew has just passed away. What are some things to say other than "i am so sorry" that is all that seems to come to my mind.
thank you!
2006-06-21 15:55:54 · 26 answers · asked by jason c 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I'm sorry for your loss
2006-06-21 15:57:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 6⤋
I think "I am so sorry for your loss" is sufficient. Anything else tends to be presumptious. You can't feel what that person is going through, and depending on how close they were to the person, you might offer to help if you know they may need it. If they want to talk about it, just listen and let them get out their feelings. They definately don't want to hear the pain will pass with time or anything you may have experienced. Nobody is the same when dealing with grief, so the best option is keep it simple and just listen if they want to talk about it.
2006-06-21 16:01:08 · answer #2 · answered by Granny Fran 5 · 6⤊ 1⤋
saying sorry doesnt really do much for the person who lost someone. Try offering them words of hope, and encouragement. Offer to help them in any way, and after it's been awhile after the death, keep checking up on that person. The person will get tired of hearing the words "I'm sorry" because everyone says it, but they don't really always know what it's like. I hope this helps! :)
2006-06-21 16:02:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
For a stranger: "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." Then if they talk more, just nod your head in an understanding manner. "Im sorry for your loss" sounds too made-up and rehearsed to me.
For someone I know: about the same, only I will add a kind word or two about hte decedant, such as "I remember she made the best fudge" or "he was always ready to tell the funniest jokes." Something to make them think fondly of their loved one.
HTH
2006-06-21 16:02:28 · answer #4 · answered by Sugar Pie 7 · 9⤊ 1⤋
I lost my father 3 years ago and the best thing that people could say to me was just "I'm sorry for your loss and I'm here for you if you need me"
Other than that, there isn't anything you can say. Also, by not saying more you are not forcing them into talking about it, but you are leaving the door open for them by letting them know that they can talk to you when they are ready.
That's the best thing that you can do for them
2006-06-21 16:01:12 · answer #5 · answered by frumosfata 2 · 10⤊ 1⤋
You could say "I'm very sorry to hear that, is there anything that I can do to help you get through this?"..."Here's my phone number", or "you know my number...call me if you need me"..."if you need to talk, I'm available to listen"...whatever you say will not stop their pain and sense of loss but a smiling face and a sincere word can be a source of comfort.
2006-06-21 16:01:41 · answer #6 · answered by yvonnejust4today 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
can can say you are sorry to hear about their loss and ask them if there is anything you can do. Let them know that they are in your prayers also tell them the life has not ended it has only changed.
2006-06-21 16:00:34 · answer #7 · answered by Nadia 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
in addition to the condolences, you can recall a fond memory of the recently deceased. its always nice to give someone their "flowers" when they're alive to enjoy them, but sharing a fond memory helps to ease the sadness, if for nothing more than a brief moment.
2006-06-21 16:00:31 · answer #8 · answered by loving 40+ 4 · 6⤊ 0⤋
"I'm sorry for your loss" and if you know them well add "I'm here for you." and leave it there. When someone is grieving, its not the time to share personal tragedy " I know how you feel...when my aunt so and so died...you'll get over it just like I did..." Keep it simple and honest.
All the best
2006-06-21 16:01:58 · answer #9 · answered by Kashmir527 2 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Just don't say that you know what they are going through. I hated it when people said that to me when my grandma passed.
2006-06-21 16:01:33 · answer #10 · answered by joyfulnoise83 3 · 7⤊ 0⤋
don't say anything. there are no words that are meant for such a thing, except maybe what stonewall jackson said:
"Let us pass over the river, and rest in the shade of the trees."
I find those words very encouraging.
2006-06-21 16:00:16 · answer #11 · answered by Bryan G 2 · 1⤊ 4⤋