How do you respond to the death of a friends' family member?

Question

Every now and then a friend or acquaintance informs me that someone they know has died - perhaps a parent, sibling or even a good friend. I always feel at a loss as to what to say in these situations. Is there an appropriate way to react/respond? Does anyone have a simple phrase that you can use in such situations to express your empathy without sounding overly soppy and sentimental but without also sounding careless and callous?

Thanks!

Answer 1

It doesn't matter the religion I have found but, saying you will keep the loved one and the family in your prayers means alot because at this time the friend really wants to believe it and it is comforting to them. Other than that I learned something really good when my Dad died this past February. Someone gave me $50.00--just like that out of the blue in a really nice card. They said that they knew there was always added expenses at that time and they hoped it would help and you know what--it really did. People in my family had to have some new things for the funeral--there were guests to accommodate foods to buy--I was really struck by such a kind gesture--just being there for the person is really what they need.

Answer 2

It is DEFINITELY a conflict of interest. It may not be strictly prohibited in very small departments, but it is likely to be used by the defense attorney to discredit any evidence collected. Even the smallest jurisdictions can arrange for someone from a neighboring area to handle the case.

Answer 3

Paul instructed the church in Rome:
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep," Romans 12:15.

I simply say something about remembering what is was like when my father, my mother, died and I know that you mourn their passing deeply, as I mourned the death of my parents.

DON'T say "I know how you feel," because none of us can know someone at that level. Listen to what they have to say, maybe ask them to tell you more about it. Then listen attentively to them, and give noncommittal remarks like "Hmm," "Um Hm," "Oh?"

When they have expressed all they are willing or able to share, ask if you can pray for them. Almost everyone will say "okay" to praying for them. Then pray asking God to comfort them as only He can; ask Him to make His loving presence real in their lives.

Tell the person that you are sorry for their loss, and let me know if you would like to talk some more later, and then be open to their talking to you again, say after the funeral or on significant dates like holidays and birthdays and anniversaries.

Answer 4

I mail a sympathy card. Many cards phrase things so eloquently that I rarely put anything more than sorry for your loss and sign my name.

Answer 5

just say im so sorry and if u feel comfortable give them a hug. if u feel comfortable enough with this person u could also say that the departed person is in a better place now.

Answer 6

I usually just say I'm sorry, and ask them how they're dealing with their loss. People just want to know that you care.

Answer 7

make a visit to the funeral home.
do a shake hand or hug if possible.
that makes the dead person's relative feel a lot better.
and you are the winner too.
life will just go on and on.

Answer 8

be sincere.

say that you're sorry for his/her loss.
if the person is weeping really badly, just say to them that the person who passed away wouldnt want others to feel sad or suffer over his death.
ask if you could be of any help..

Answer 9

I tell them that their friend lives on in their memory, so keep the good ones.

Answer 10

Tell them your sorry for their loss and carry on.