2007-01-28 07:55:52 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I'm sorry for your loss, if there is anything I can do please let me know.
2007-01-28 07:59:17 · answer #1 · answered by Nette 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What a great question! Such a confusing and emotional time.
So much would depend on the circumstances of the death.
Low key is the best way to go.
These are my suggestions:
To the immediate family, if they don't know you, its best to introduce yourself, how you knew the deceased, and something nice about them if you can think of it, and then to say how sorry you are for their loss.
If they know you, recall a familiar and happy memory you have of the deceased, and again, say how sorry you are for their loss.
After the receiving line,people will gather and sit at the funeral home, so there its really a matter of how the atmosphere is in the funeral home. Some are more jovial than others. (older people that have been ill for some time) Some are extremely difficult with many distraught people ( young person tragically dying)
At all times be respectful of the family members. Remember you are there to pay your respects to them.
2007-01-28 08:33:36 · answer #2 · answered by I_Love_Life! 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You didn't mention how close you were to the person who has died. Often, the funeral of a loved one tends to be kind of a blur, and later you don't always remember who was there or who said what. It's after all the details of the funeral, etc., are taken care of, and people stop calling and coming over, that it gets really, really rough. The permanence of the loss settles in.
So, you might think about calling or writing in a month or two -- just to say, "I am thinking of you." Or "I am missing ______________, too," or "I lit a candle today in memory of _________."
Good luck, and God bless you for your empathy!
2007-01-28 09:01:18 · answer #3 · answered by meatpiemum 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Are you going to a wake? An actual funeral? You need to be more specific.
2007-01-28 07:59:45 · answer #4 · answered by Sass B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep it simple. Something like, "I'm sorry for your loss", "My sympathy to you", or, "So-and-so will be missed". Just being there means a lot. Be willing to listen as that is probably more important than anything you can say.
2007-01-28 08:08:58 · answer #5 · answered by Rose 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
when my grandfather passed nothing anyone said helped only one thing helped me and only one person did it a long sympathetic hug I went home where we also had the wake and sat in a corner in my room hugging my knees devastatingly crying my uncle came in pulled me into his arms and held me letting my cry it was the only thing that helped me that simple gesture allowed me to know he was feeling the same way and that I had someone to lean on
2007-01-31 18:46:37 · answer #6 · answered by fakeblond475 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you don't need to say anything clever, just showing up is enough for most people....and send some nice flowers, that always is nice.
2007-01-28 08:22:29 · answer #7 · answered by besthusbandever 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you say to whom? The family, the dearly departed, or the undertaker.
2007-01-28 08:04:26 · answer #8 · answered by Tonya W 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why won't that person who is laying there wake up?
2007-02-01 00:25:14 · answer #9 · answered by I AM ME 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This must be a successful business.
People are dying to get in.
2007-01-28 08:02:26 · answer #10 · answered by $Sun King$ 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Who is that laying over there in that funny shaped box?
2007-01-28 07:59:17 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋