What to Say When Offering Condolences
Expressing sympathy to someone who has suffered a loss is one of the hardest things to do.
When you hear that someone you know has suffered a loss. Or, when attending a funeral homes near Saskatoon, SK, your instinct might be to say something like, “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.” While this is certainly a kind and generous offer, it isn’t the most fitting response in every case.
Fortunately, there are several other things that you can say when offering your condolences in a moment like this. All of them are sincere and thoughtful without being overbearing or intrusive.
Not everyone appreciates the same phrases when they’re hurting. Reading through this list beforehand will give you the confidence you need to have an impactful and positive reaction in any circumstance.
Words of Hope
People in mourning often focus on the past, so it can be helpful to offer words of hope for their future. Instead of saying, “I’m sorry for your loss,” try saying, “I’m sorry for your loss, but I know that you will get through this.”
It can be a great way to
remind a grieving person that they have the strength within them and that, given time, they will be able to move past their current pain and find happiness again in life.
Condolences and Prayers
When offering condolences to someone who has suffered a loss, you can also offer prayers for them. This is especially appropriate if you are religious or spiritual. You may want to say, “I would like to extend my deepest condolences, and I will keep you in my prayers.”
If the person you’re speaking with is also religious, they might appreciate an acknowledgment of their faith. You might say, “I’m so sorry for your loss. May God give you strength during this difficult time.”
If you don’t know what religious or spiritual beliefs the person you’re talking with follows, you may want to avoid the subject altogether. Offering prayers can be a great way to support someone during their time of mourning, but it can be disrespectful to impose your religious views on someone else.
What to Say to Someone Who’s Lost a Child
Parents will never stop mourning the loss of a child, but they can come to terms with their grief and live a fulfilling life again. When speaking to someone who has lost a child, it can be helpful to remind them not to hide their feelings.
You might say, “I know you have been trying to hold it together, but you don’t have to pretend to be strong for my sake.”
This can help the grieving parent open up about their emotions and seek the support they need. Additionally, it may help you understand what they are going through better.
If the parent you are speaking with has lost a child, but you don’t know how old the child was, avoid asking how old they were. You may want to say, “You don’t have to hide your pain from me. If you want to talk about your child, I am here for you.”
What to Say to Someone Who’s Just Lost a Parent
Parents die every day, and it can be difficult to know what to say to someone grieving the loss of a parent.
In this situation, it is best to acknowledge that you don’t know what to say. You might say, “I don’t know what to say, but I am here for you if you want to talk.”
This can help the grieving person know that they don’t have to pretend they are doing fine to avoid burdening you.
If you have lost a parent, you can say, “I know this is a difficult time for you, and I want you to know that I am here for you if you need anything.”
While knowing what to say when offering condolences can be tricky, remember that it is more important to be there for the grieving person than to say the “right” thing. Being there for someone in their time of need shows you care about them and their loss.
Contact us for additional questions about funeral etiquette. Our funeral homes near Saskatoon, SK, is also here to help if you wish to arrange a service for a loved one. We know this is a difficult time for you. Our staff is trained to relieve your burden.
