wy do people say"i'm sorry" when somebody dies.?

Answer 1

I asked myself that same question two days ago when a co-worker's brother was killed in a highway crash, and I responded with "I'm sorry." It sounds like such a weak and flimsy way to show emotional support for the living. It is really only a neutral statement of sympathy, which allows the conversation to continue in any number of ways if the bereaved person feels like sharing their feelings right then with you or anyone else who may be present. They might want to talk some more and express their own emotions and concerns, or they might not, but if you say "I'm sorry," say it in a caring and sensitive way, then listen patiently. You may also offer your support to the family if that is appropriate. Losing someone you knew and loved can bring out strong emotions and a sense of disorientation, especially if you weren't prepared for it.

Answer 2

When people say that they are sorry they are not (necessarily) saying that they are sorry that the person died - many times the person expressing their sorrow never met the deceased person. What they are saying they are sorry about is for the loss that you feel.

I really think that most people who express their sorrow for your plight truly are touched and saddened to hear that you may very well be going through a terrible time, but also when people say they are sorry it can just be a knee-jerk reaction; much like asking "how are you?" It is a kind, but also, polite thing to say.

Regardless of how you feel about someone saying "I'm sorry", please remember that the person saying it is trying to be kind, polite and is treading on shaky ground. At least they are being rude and saying something like, "wow, don't worry about it, you'll be dead too, someday"

I hope that you haven't experienced a loss of someone dear, but if you have please accept everyone's expressions in the spirit in which they are given.

Answer 3

Usually in that scenerio, that phrase implies that they sympathized you have lossed someone.

Not only are the people being respectful to the deceased but to you as well, as it is the ones who live that really suffer the grief. The one who passed away is at rest most definitely.

Practically everybody has experienced a loss and want to empathize with you and share the heartache. The best reply would be "Thank you"

Answer 4

Because "congratulations" just doesn't work...Just joking. I think it's because it is an uncomfortable situation, and it just evolved into this appropriate thing to say. Also "sorry" and "sorrow" derive from the same place,and you are expressing sorrow for this person and what they have gone through. I don't know......I tried.

Answer 5

Because it's a way to express your condolences. It's not saying your sorry that you're at fault for them dying, it's saying that you're sorry that they've had a loss and that they have to go through a difficult time.

Answer 6

people say i'm sorry when some one dies to show they care
and that there sorry that person died
even though it isn't thier fault
it has just always been that way

Answer 7

Because they care for the feelings of the person or persons left behind.

Answer 8

I'm sorry for your loss? It's an expression of sympathy, or shared "sorrow."

Answer 9

This is to show courtesy and respect for the family or friend of the decedent.

Answer 10

They are sorry...that's why.
They feel for the persons loss ..simple as that.
They are trying to comfort.