For instance, a family member of mine just returned from Iraq and he had a respiratory disease from the chemical in the air over there from the bombs. He was in intensive care for a while, etc. My sister and I were finally like "what do you say when all these people are saying they're sorry to hear about him?" We just don't know how to respond. Thank you just seems wrong.
2007-05-21 08:52:00 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
"Thank you" is never wrong. You could also add "I'll let him know you asked about him" and "We appreciate your concern". "He's doing better, and thanks for caring." "Keep us in your prayers".
2007-05-21 08:59:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank you if fine for a quick response, especially to those people that you don't know well.
For those that you do know, you can always say "We really appreciate your well-wishes for his recovery".
If you are religious you could also just ask for their prayers during his recovery.
Keep in mind that most people don't really know what to say when they hear bad news (especially health news) about someone, and "I'm sorry to hear about him" is the first thing that comes to their mind.
2007-05-21 09:00:53 · answer #2 · answered by Blondees1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There isn't much more than you can say other than "Thank you" or Thank You for your concern, best wishes, thoughts etc.
I hope your family member will have a good recovery from the effects of that chemical and hope there will be no serious after effects from his exposure.
2007-05-21 08:58:38 · answer #3 · answered by nycguy10002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well in my lifetime there has not been a death in my family yet SO i really don't know how I would respond I would probably just be like "Thank you" or " Thank you for your prayers" or something like that....hope any of that helps!!!!!
2007-05-21 09:07:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank you is fine.. these situations are uncomfortable for them as well as you.. no one ever really knows what to say at these times!
Their "I'm sorry" is short for a lot of things they are thinking but don't know how to say... "I'm sorry there is a stupid war.. I'm sorry that this happened to him.. I'm sorry that he's going to die.. I'm sorry for his loved ones that will miss him.. I'm sorry that his young life is going to end early..".. it could go on forever and might upset you even more.. so what comes out is "I'm sorry"
Your 'Thank you' is more than the thanks for passing the salt.. it's "Thank you for being here for me.. thank you for caring.. thank you for the sympathy.. thank you for acknowledging my pain"
So it may seem too short and too trite but it's really all you need to say.
My sympathy to you and your family.
2007-05-21 09:19:23 · answer #5 · answered by endorable 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My father recently died in Iraq (his funeral was two weeks ago). People still come up to me and say how sorry they are that it happened. "Thank you" is the right way to respond. I sometimes add "I appreciate it."
2007-05-21 09:00:13 · answer #6 · answered by davidinark 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear this. It is terrible. May he recover very soon!
If people come up to you and say it just nod your head in agreement. That's all that is required. Everyone knows your upset, and so forth.
2007-05-21 08:58:46 · answer #7 · answered by * 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A smile or a nod is fine. If you feel like you must say something, you can say "thanks" or "so are we".
If I feel the statement is especially heartfelt, and not just a casual pleasantry, I'd give a few moments of silence before my response.
2007-05-21 09:02:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People don't know what to say when there is serious illness or death. So they say they are sorry. You can answer with whatever is comfortable for you. "Thanks for thinking of us" is a simple reply.
People just want you to know that they are sorry for your grief.
2007-05-21 09:02:57 · answer #9 · answered by CleoCATra 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think "thanks you" or "thank you for your concern" is appropriate.
Most people don't know what to say to the loved ones and just automatically say "I'm so sorry". I really don't think they will dwell much on ANY response you give in return, so don't sweat it. Just say whatever feels natural at the time.
2007-05-21 08:58:37 · answer #10 · answered by icy_tempest 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Thank you for your concern is perfect correct. That's really what you are thanking them for.
Also, we appreciate your concern for us/him at this time, is another one you can use.
2007-05-21 10:54:05 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋