What is the "most appropriate" response when someone says. "Condolence." or "I'm sorry for your loss..." ?

Question

My grandmother and great grandmother
both just passed on (2 weeks apart) and
I was pretty overwhelmed by the number of people saying
" Condolence. " or " I'm sorry for your loss... " etc...

It felt really awkward saying "Thank you."...
or nothing at all...

What was I supposed to say?

Answer 1

I appreciate your support.

or

Thank you for your support.

actually, whether you say anything or not is
understandable considering what you've been thru.

It is more appropriate to say how grateful you are but people who are there for you would understand that you would be overwhelmed and may be "speechless" in this occasion.

Just remember to send "Thank you" notes promptly
to all who sent sympathy / mass cards , floral arrangements,
f & b, etc... and those who showed any kind of support
at the service (funeral & burial) and
other occasions related to your loss...

God be with you...

Answer 2

While it was unbearably hard on you, I'm sure, and I'm pretty sure you got numb to the condolences of other people, the only response you can offer is "Thank You". It is just about the only thing you CAN say in response. To not say anything indicates that you reject their attempt at consolation, which could be offensive. And, while you are hurting, you cannot forget that you are also still alive, and those people that are alive with you are the ones that can help you deal with your grief.

Hope this helps...

Answer 3

People are trying to give you comfort. They do not expect you to start a conversation. Just say thank You. Most of us have lost loved ones and know that it is even difficult to talk at times, so don't worry about being proper at a time like this.
I am sorry for your loss. I have been there twice just recently.

Answer 4

Ugh, I went through two close deaths, and I hated dealing with that stuff. I still never know what to say to people, and I was on the receiving end twice! There really isn't anything adequate to say, on either end. I think "Thank you" is the best bet, because they're just expressing their concern and it's right to thank them for that.

Answer 5

Everyone had good advice, except annibal, she was off the wall. It's really hard to be in either position. Sometimes a nod is all you can pull off, everyone understands. Don't worry about it. You have to take care of you not worry about taking care of your guests. This is the one time that they don't even take first place. You do.

Blessed Be

Answer 6

you don't have to say anything. People who have suffered such loss deserve more compassion and understanding from the outside world during these times....I know from experience. We lost one close family member a year for 5 years in a row.....devastating....

Answer 7

Everyone who said this probably understood it was a hard time for you. You don't have to say anything! They just want you to know they are there for you! So don't worry say what feels right or nothing at all.

Answer 8

You don't say "Thank you" when someone offers you his/her condolence. It's not proper. It would sound like you're welcoming the death or being jubilant about the death of your relative. The thing is to say nothing. You say "thank you for coming" when they are getting ready to leave.

Answer 9

I completely agree with notashygirl. A thank you for your support is short, sweet and to the point. I'm sorry about your grandmas.

Answer 10

Thank you, I appreciate your support.

That is all you need to say, and that is all that is expected of you to say. I know it can be awkward, but saying a simple thank you is really all that is necessary. No one expects anything more.