what do you say to someone who just lost?
8838
['I am so sorry for your loss.', 'I wish I had the right words, just know I care.', "I don't know how you feel, but I am here to help in any way I can.", 'You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers.', 'My favorite memory of your loved one is…', 'I am always just a phone call away.']
174681
['Offer sincere condolence. "I am so sorry for your loss" is a good example.', 'Offer open-ended support. "If there is anything I can do, please let me know. ... ', 'Offer silence. ... ', 'When the time is right, express what the deceased child meant to you.']
89664
['“I miss you, too!”', '“I was just thinking of you; then you called. ... ', '“And why may I ask do you miss me?” (said in a joking but loving way).']
1421406
Say SOMETHING Acknowledge your friend's grief. Mention their loved one's name, and let your friend know that you're thinking of both of them. It could be as simple as a text that says, “Hey, I know today is one year since [name] died.
282841
['Thank them for their feedback. Let them know the time, energy (and probably courage), it took to let you know about the situation is of great valuable.', 'Empathize with their frustration. ... ', 'Ask for the details. ... ', 'Apologize. ... ', 'Take action. ... ', 'Follow up!']
1046063
Do express your sympathy and support, even if it's a simple statement such as, "I'm so sorry about your loss", "I can't imagine how you feel", or "My thoughts are with you". Do offer hugs to dads as well as mums, if it feels like the right thing to do. Do be willing to talk about the loss.
237405
If you want to talk about the baby, I am here to listen. If you have experienced a loss, you can say, “I remember having some of those same feelings you are feeling when I lost my baby. I know nothing I do or say can take away your pain. Please know I am thinking of you and your family.
282672
['"You deserve so much better than this." ... ', '"This is not a reflection on you in any way." ... ', '"This hurts so much, but I promise it\'s not forever." ... ', '"Let yourself feel everything you need to feel." ... ', '"Time is the greatest healer." ... ', '"I\'m here for you whenever you need me." ... ', '"Let\'s make some positive changes together."']
664016
['It makes me sad to see you in such a bad mood. I really care about you, you know. ... ', "I don't think all this worrying is getting us anywhere. ... ", "I heard you're a wonderful painter/singer/volleyball player. ... ", "Let's get outside."]
1087067
Acknowledge the loss. Anyone who has just become unemployed will appreciate your recognizing the misfortune. Just keep your words simple with something like, “I'm sorry to hear the news.” When the person is ready to talk — and chances are, you'll notice the signs — listen without adding your own commentary.
78834
['Let them be sad. ... ', "Remind them it isn't personal. ... ", 'Tell them how proud you are of their hard work. ... ', 'Distract them. ... ', 'Get them excited about other options. ... ', 'Remind them that pain will pass.']
895995
Express your concern. For example: “I'm sorry to hear that this happened to you.” Let the bereaved talk about how their loved one died. People who are grieving may need to tell the story over and over again, sometimes in minute detail.
592581
["Acknowledge the person's death. When you are searching for what to say when someone dies, don't be afraid to state what a terrible thing it is to have happened. ... ", 'Be empathetic. ... ', 'Be specific. ... ', "Talk about the person who's died. ... ", 'Express your own sadness. ... ', 'Accept anger. ... ', 'Keep in touch. ... ', 'Break your fear of upsetting someone.']
703990
["I'm so sorry to hear that. ... ", "Whatever you're feeling is perfectly okay*. ... ", "I've been there. ... ", 'Have you got people you can talk to? ... ', "I can recommend a counsellor if you'd like one, although I know it's not for everyone. ... ", 'Here, have some food. ... ', "How's work? ... ", 'Have you watched this boxset?']
81445
["1. “ I'm so sorry for your loss. ... ", '2. “ Remember you are not alone. ... ', '3. “ I\'m thinking of you."', '4. “ ... ', '5. “ ... ', '“Look on the bright side."', '"You must be devastated."', '“At least you know you can get pregnant."']
837956
['With heartfelt condolences.', 'We are so sorry for your loss.', 'I hope you feel surrounded by much love. ... ', 'Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. ... ', 'With deepest sympathy as you remember Ashley.', 'Holding you close in our thoughts and hoping you are doing OK.']
47374
So to start off comforting someone, simply describe what you're seeing/sensing. Say something like, “I know you're having such a hard time with this,” or “I'm sorry you're hurting so much.” Also affirm that you hear what they're saying by saying it back to them in your own words.