“This must be incredibly hard. I’m so sorry.”
This statement keeps the focus on their experience—not on making sense of the tragedy.
Speak With Compassion, Not Clichés
In fact, sometimes the most comforting thing you can do is simply show up, stay quiet, and listen. Your presence—without needing to say the perfect thing—is often more healing than words.
Remember: you don’t need to be eloquent, spiritual, or philosophical. You just need to be kind.
Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind when offering condolences:
- Avoid giving advice unless asked.
- Don’t tell someone how they should feel or how long they should grieve.
- Don’t make it about your own experiences unless they invite that conversation.
- Stick to short, heartfelt expressions of care.
And most of all—be genuine.
If you don’t know what to say, it’s okay to admit that.
“I don’t know what to say, but I’m so sorry for your loss.”
That one sentence can mean the world to someone who’s hurting.
In times of loss, the simplest gestures often mean the most. A
