Express Your Sympathy for Friends After the Loss of a Loved One
Watching a friend lose a loved one is hard. Knowing what to say and how
to comfort them in their time of need can be a tricky road to navigate.
Aphorisms and clichés just don’t cut it sometimes. Instead, find other
ways to show your sympathy in personally meaningful ways. Try a
heartfelt letter using appropriate language, find a few beautiful sympathy gifts,
give them the space they need, or just let them know that you’re
available if they need anything. Here are a few ways you can express
love and support, but as long as you approach your friend with
understanding and an open heart, they’ll probably know they can rely on
you.
Write a Letter
It’s easy to fall back on clichés such as, “they are in a better place,” or, “you’ll feel better soon,” when talking to a grieving friend. Clichés tend to do more harm than good. Writing out a letter lets you choose exactly what you are going to say and is more personal and sincere than a text or email. Your friend can respond at their own pace, in their own time. Acknowledge their pain and keep the letter simple. If you knew the deceased, consider sharing a memory of them. Try to avoid giving any advice and let them know that you’re supportive of any way they choose to grieve. Don’t compare how you’ve felt with loss, either, as this downplays their emotions.
Send a Sympathy Gift
A thoughtful sympathy gift can remind your friend they are in your thoughts. Angel figurines can be a simple representation of the loved one. An angel in prayer or holding their hands over their heart are good choices. Also consider sending flowers, as well. The gift does not have to be expensive or elaborate but should have meaning. Another simple gift that goes a long way is to cook a meal for them and drop it off at their home.
Give Them the Space They Need
It may be that they want to be left alone for some time to work out their feelings. Be sure to give them the space they need, while still making yourself available. They may prefer to talk over the phone or through text instead of in person. Be sure to check in on them but give them space if they want it.
Be Available to Help
Do not tell your grieving friend to let you know if they need anything. They are likely already overwhelmed by the loss of their loved one and don’t need the onus put on them. They might also be too embarrassed or shy to actively ask for something that they need. Instead, offer specific help. Tell them that you can do their laundry this weekend or clean their house. If they need transportation somewhere, offer to take them and be there to support them. Offer to do errands for them or watch their kids or pets if they need to deal with something. Being specific and directly offering help means they are more likely to accept than if they have to call you, which can be awkward for many people. Finally, offer to simply be there if they need someone to talk to, and just listen. You don’t need to say anything, just offer to be a sympathetic ear.
About Willow Tree®
Willow Tree® figurines represent the relationships between us and our friends, family, and pets. It is an intimate line of artwork meant to comfort and inspire the recipient. Each hand-painted piece is cast from artist Susan Lordi’s original handcrafted carvings from her Kansas City, Missouri studio Willow Tree® sculptures have a simplicity of form, using gestures such as placement of the hands, a tilt of the head, or a turn of the body to reveal emotion instead of facial features. This opens the interpretation of each piece to both the giver and receiver. The instantly recognizable pieces make memorable gifts for any occasion, including grandma gifts for Christmas, birthday, wedding, anniversary, and more.
Browse the Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com
Write a Letter
It’s easy to fall back on clichés such as, “they are in a better place,” or, “you’ll feel better soon,” when talking to a grieving friend. Clichés tend to do more harm than good. Writing out a letter lets you choose exactly what you are going to say and is more personal and sincere than a text or email. Your friend can respond at their own pace, in their own time. Acknowledge their pain and keep the letter simple. If you knew the deceased, consider sharing a memory of them. Try to avoid giving any advice and let them know that you’re supportive of any way they choose to grieve. Don’t compare how you’ve felt with loss, either, as this downplays their emotions.
Send a Sympathy Gift
A thoughtful sympathy gift can remind your friend they are in your thoughts. Angel figurines can be a simple representation of the loved one. An angel in prayer or holding their hands over their heart are good choices. Also consider sending flowers, as well. The gift does not have to be expensive or elaborate but should have meaning. Another simple gift that goes a long way is to cook a meal for them and drop it off at their home.
Give Them the Space They Need
It may be that they want to be left alone for some time to work out their feelings. Be sure to give them the space they need, while still making yourself available. They may prefer to talk over the phone or through text instead of in person. Be sure to check in on them but give them space if they want it.
Be Available to Help
Do not tell your grieving friend to let you know if they need anything. They are likely already overwhelmed by the loss of their loved one and don’t need the onus put on them. They might also be too embarrassed or shy to actively ask for something that they need. Instead, offer specific help. Tell them that you can do their laundry this weekend or clean their house. If they need transportation somewhere, offer to take them and be there to support them. Offer to do errands for them or watch their kids or pets if they need to deal with something. Being specific and directly offering help means they are more likely to accept than if they have to call you, which can be awkward for many people. Finally, offer to simply be there if they need someone to talk to, and just listen. You don’t need to say anything, just offer to be a sympathetic ear.
About Willow Tree®
Willow Tree® figurines represent the relationships between us and our friends, family, and pets. It is an intimate line of artwork meant to comfort and inspire the recipient. Each hand-painted piece is cast from artist Susan Lordi’s original handcrafted carvings from her Kansas City, Missouri studio Willow Tree® sculptures have a simplicity of form, using gestures such as placement of the hands, a tilt of the head, or a turn of the body to reveal emotion instead of facial features. This opens the interpretation of each piece to both the giver and receiver. The instantly recognizable pieces make memorable gifts for any occasion, including grandma gifts for Christmas, birthday, wedding, anniversary, and more.
Browse the Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com
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