what to say to friend who lost her husband?
109674
What you can say instead: “You have my deepest sympathy,” “I'm so saddened to hear about your loss,” “My deepest condolences,” or “My thoughts and prayers are with you.” Just let them know that you care about them and their grief instead of offering empty placations about losing the man they loved.
44114
Do's and Don'ts for Comforting a Friend Post-Breakup Try: "It sounds like you will really miss him." Instead Of: "It could be worse — at least he didn't dump you the way Bob did to me." Try: "I am so sorry this happened." Instead Of: "Be positive — you have a bright future ahead of you."
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.']
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.
78874
["“It's great to see you.”", "“I'm so glad we're all together.”", "“I miss them, but I feel like they're here with us.”"]
69971
['"We\'ll get through this together. ... ', '"I am praying for you."', '"Go to MD Anderson. ... ', '"I am here for you." Then follow through and really be there.', 'Don\'t ask what you can do to help or say, "Let me know if you need anything." Many people will never ask for help even though they need it.']
457477
['Be intentional, show sympathy, and offer a listening ear. ... ', "Instead of trying to come up with the perfect words, express your sympathy with a simple, “I'm so sorry for your loss.” Then be quiet and truly listen to your friend. ... ", "Even if you've sent a sympathy note, call to express your condolences."]
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.
1203112
['“ My deepest sympathies go out to you, my friend. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time. ... ', '“I heard the news, my friend. ... ', "“I was deeply saddened to hear about your brother's passing. ... ", "“I'm sorry for your loss. ... ", "“I'm so sorry to hear this sad news."]
684476
["“I'm not sure exactly what to say, but I want you to know I care.”", '“You are in my thoughts/prayers.”', '“Can I bring you a dinner this week? ... ', '“If you want to talk about him/her, please feel free to call (or text) anytime.”', "“If you need me, I'll be there. ... ", '“My favorite memory with (____) is…”']
242983
["“I'm here for you.” Show up for your loved one and remain by their side as they go through this process. ... ", '“You are in my thoughts and prayers.” ... ', '“This stinks.” ... ', '“Let me help you with…” ... ', 'Tell a Joke. ... ', '“You are not alone.” ... ', "“Any time you need to talk, I'll listen.” ... ", '“What day works for a visit?”']
852689
['Let them grieve in their own way. ... ', 'Let them express a wide range of emotions. ... ', 'Give them some slack. ... ', 'Encourage them to have healthy outlets to help relieve the pain they feel. ... ', 'Let them remember and celebrate with others. ... ', 'Let them get help.']
166734
['Acknowledge the loss. ... ', 'Ask what he or she needs to ease the transition. ... ', 'Help the person see the difference between who he or she is and the situation. ... ', 'Encourage the idea of connecting with friends and family.']
79925
It's generally best simply to express your sympathy and let them tell you how they feel. And it's much better to say, "I don't know what to say", than to say nothing at all. Don't suggest what a bereaved parent should be feeling or doing. Everyone grieves in their own way and there are no time limits.
212488
“I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. If there's anything I can do to help you here at the office, don't hesitate to let me know.” “I just wanted to reach out and let you know that I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts during this difficult time.” “I lost my dad a few years ago.
119984
Please accept my condolences during this heartbreaking time. I hope God blesses and comforts you, and takes the deceased's soul to rest with Him in Heaven where they belong. I'm so saddened for your loss, but so glad that you have such great memories of their life to comfort you.
717719
But what are the things that will actually offer comfort and let the person know you're there for them? At the end of the day, something as simple as “I'm so sorry for your loss” or “I'm so sad for you and your family, please accept my deepest condolences” is always appropriate.