What Not to Say at a Funeral: 4 Phrases That Hurt More Than Help

This phrase is probably one of the most frequently used at funerals. It’s meant to bring comfort—to suggest that the person who passed is no longer suffering, or that they’ve found peace.

But to someone deep in mourning, this can sound more like dismissal than comfort.

It might feel like you’re telling them their pain isn’t valid, or that they shouldn’t feel heartbroken because the person is now in a “better place.”

But grief isn’t logical—it’s emotional. And when a person is hurting, they need space to feel that pain, not be told to look on the bright side.

What to say instead:

“I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m here if you need anything.”

It’s simple. It’s sincere. And most importantly, it lets the person feel whatever they’re feeling—without judgment.

2. “At least they lived a long life.”

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