I'm just going for support. I've met the family only once so I don't know them very well. What do I say to them? "I'm sorry for your loss" seems little cliche.. Anything else? Should a hug be given also?
2007-03-14 03:23:04 · 12 answers · asked by Jenna S 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
If you do have an audience with the person/people grieving, take your cues from them. Remember that they will have been telling and retelling the deceased's story and may just appreciate a small statement of respect rather then having to retell the tale again.
"My sympathy to you and your family, Im sorry for your loss" are simple statements that hold true.
You dont need to hug them if you dont know them. But you can take their hand with both of yours and hold it while you say the above.
2007-03-14 03:32:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to say "I'm sorry for your loss," at a wake. Something else that you could say is "I'm so sorry that (use the name) had to pass away at such a young/tender age.
You could also just say, "My condolences to you and the family." You could also offer to come over to their house and talk if they need a shoulder. I know you said you don't know them well because you only met them once, but how about offering to maybe take them a meal and make it so they don't have to think about 'what they have to fix to eat.'
People who have just lost a loved one usually will appreciate any act of kindness and friendship for at least the first couple of weeks while they are getting over the fact that they just lost someone in their family.
Good Luck. Hope this helps.
2007-03-14 03:37:49 · answer #2 · answered by Double J 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
At my mom's wake last month all I remember were a couple of people that had something personal about her to tell me. Like someone told me that she was really proud of me and always talked about me.
It doesn't sound like you know the deceased well enough for that so I would say just a simple hug and let them know they're in your prayers. EVERYBODY says "I'm sorry" so I'd advise against that because the family will get really tired of hearing it.
2007-03-14 05:34:32 · answer #3 · answered by Luvly 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its hard but say what you would want to hear.... I hate "sorry for your loss" too even though I know people don't know anything else. You can try "I'm sorry, and I hope everything is going well, just know that if you need anything I'm here"
2007-03-14 05:31:48 · answer #4 · answered by Okaydokay21 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A hug is very appropriate and although you think it's cliche, "I'm sorry for your loss," is very fitting for the occasion.
2007-03-14 06:38:59 · answer #5 · answered by Lov'n IT! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do not know the family, understood.
No no hugs, etc., "I am sorry for your loss" is completely acceptable and proper.
Cliche or not, you are there and respecting their loss.
2007-03-14 04:23:40 · answer #6 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'I'm sorry for your loss' may be cliche, but it's also the perfect thing to say, esp. if you don't know the family well. A little hug would also be appreciated. Don't wear brightly colored clothes & spiky heels. Dress modestly.
2007-03-14 04:16:41 · answer #7 · answered by napqueen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't feel like saying something, don't do it because it will really sound cliche. Since you are not close, I think a warm hand shake and a smile of sympathy, will do.
Your presence there, is nice already.
2007-03-14 03:33:59 · answer #8 · answered by inotherwords 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hug and im sorry for your loss is the best you can do
2007-03-14 03:30:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"My deepest sympathy for you and your family"
Yes a quick hug is okay, it shows you are sincere with you statement.
But never say "anything I can do, just call me or let me know", unless you truely mean it.
2007-03-14 03:34:39 · answer #10 · answered by Life is Sweet 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋