Responding when someone tells you they are sorry for your loss over text message – Sometimes people will wish condolences by text message which can be an entirely different way of responding. Here are some responses to texts with condolences: 1. Thank you for your kind words.2.
- I appreciate your support during this difficult time.3.
- Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated.4.
- I am touched by your compassion and concern.5.
- Thank you for being there for me.6.
- I feel so lucky to have you as a friend.7.
- Your support means the world to me right now.8.
- I don’t know what I would do without you.9.
You have been a true blessing to me.10. Words cannot express how much your support has meant to me. Any of these are suitable responses to a well wishing text message, Just remember to be grateful for the support you are receiving, even if it is in a different format than you are used to.
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Why do people say sorry for your loss?
Why ‘I’m sorry for your loss’ is not the best thing to say after a death –
“I’m sorry for your loss” and “my condolences” are common ways to express sympathy after someone has died—but they can come off as inauthentic or remote, worsening the sense of isolation that most bereaved people feel. By focusing on ” your loss” and ” my condolences,” these phrases create distance when a bereaved person needs to feel connected with others more than ever. Sentiments that put the focus on their experience and your desire to support them are more meaningful and resonant. If you knew the person who died, offering a memory of them is another way to acknowledge their loss and may help them remember something they loved about the person who died. Avoid saying you know how they feel, offering religious “reason” for their loss, or telling them they’ll feel better soon.
Knowing what to say to someone who has lost a loved one can feel awkward and uncomfortable. Even when all you want to do is express care and support, it is easy to get tongue-tied and caught up in your own fears about saying the “wrong thing.” The most important thing is to convey your good intentions—there can be nothing wrong about that.
At the same time, you also want to be careful about not crossing any personal, social, or emotional boundaries that would exceed the limits of your relationship or create discomfort about the person who died. These calculations are generally made in just a few seconds. That’s why the most common phrases people reach for in these moments tend to be well intentioned but also robotic and distancing.
“I’m sorry for your loss” or “my condolences” may be pre-printed on greeting cards, but they lack the authenticity of the relationship you have with the person who is grieving. They also are somewhat formal words that emphasize that the speaker and the bereaved person are on opposite sides of the fence when it comes to loss, instead of stressing that you are here for them in this experience, in any way that you can be.
- Instead of “sorry for your loss,” consider something like, “I heard about your father.
- I’m sorry you’re going through this.
- That’s a lot and I’m thinking of you.” So, making an effort to have other, more meaningful phrases ready for sad situations is helpful—but that can also be its own difficult process.
After all, you are preparing yourself to deal directly with what’s likely to be an uncomfortable situation and, in the process, you may be confronting some of your own feelings about death and your experience. How do you find a balance between being there for someone who is grieving and protecting yourself from their grief and your own?
Is sorry for your loss overused?
What Should I Keep in Mind When Expressing Condolences? – There are a few phrases that should be avoided when expressing condolences. They are in a better place. This expression should be especially avoided if you’re unsure about the grieving person’s view on religion or the afterlife.
- It’s also overused, so it’s best to steer clear from it.
- I know how you feel.
- Even if you experienced a similar loss, expressing condolences should be about the grieving person, not about what you have gone through.
- Everything happens for a reason.
- Death can seem nonsensical to someone who is grieving.
- Do not force them to try to see the positive in their loss.
Give them the time and space they need to grieve. You will feel better soon. Similar to the previous expression, do not coerce someone into trying to see the silver lining. Instead, acknowledge their pain.
What is a good response when someone dies?
Here are some commonly used things to say when someone dies: ” I’m so sorry to hear about your loss ” ‘My sincere condolences’ ‘You have my deepest sympathy’
Is it OK to text sorry for your loss?
A few rules to consider –
Brief but sweet
When deciding what to say, it’s okay to keep your texts short. In fact, there are times when it’s highly recommended. Grief can be overwhelming, so a concise text might be all a person can process,
Keep it simple
What matters most is that your words are said with care and concern. None of the phrases provided here are complicated. It’s the heart and intention that matter most, It’s acceptable to simply use the phrase, “I’m sorry for your loss” if it’s said with genuine care and concern. Remember, there are no words that can take away the pain of loss.
Avoid euphemisms
Avoid using euphemisms like “Everything happens for a reason,” or “They are in a better place.” Unless you know that your grieving loved one believes these things to be true, hearing them can be exceptionally hurtful. Consider using the language provided here.
Is it sorry for your loss or lost?
Which is Correct: Sorry For Your Lost or Loss? – Everyone has probably heard someone say “sorry for your lost” in casual conversation. However, this is not following proper grammar rules, In fact, this is probably due to slang or descriptive grammar rules that are picked up by speakers of a specific area. BONUS : Save 60% on Grammarly Premium
- Sorry For Your Loss – Loss is a noun that is used to express that you no longer have something or someone. The phrase “sorry for your loss” is the grammatically correct way to express your condolences when someone dies.
- Sorry For Your Lost – This phrase is grammatically incorrect and should not be used. Lost is a verb and cannot be used to express the fact that someone has passed away.
Takeaway : The correct phrase is “sorry for your loss”. Loss is a noun that represents the fact that someone has died.
How do you respond to death empathy?
Photo: Ponomariova_Maria/Getty Images When someone you know is grieving, it’s natural to want to reach out and help. But often, it’s difficult to know what to say when someone dies. Faced with the enormity of loss, words feel inadequate. It’s not uncommon to feel paralyzed, terrified of saying the wrong thing.
There’s no perfect combination of words that will take away a grieving person’s pain. But there are ways for you to show them that you care, from sending a card, to bringing over a home cooked meal, or just showing up in person. From what to write in a sympathy card to when it’s appropriate to pick up the phone, we asked grief advocates, therapists, and other experts for their advice on how to support friends and loved ones when someone dies.
Calling, texting, or showing up face-to-face are the best gifts you can give someone who’s grieving, says Dr. Kelsey Crowe, the co-author of There’s No Good Card for This and founder of Help Each Other Out, “Sometimes it’s just letting them know, ‘I want you to know you’re in my thoughts.'” But before you pick up the phone, it’s worth considering your relationship with the person.
- If you aren’t close, definitely don’t call within days of a tragic event or difficult news,” says Emily McDowell, co-author and illustrator of There’s No Good Card for This,
- Phone calls can feel intrusive and overwhelming at this time.
- A card, an email, or a text is better.
- However, if you are good friends or close family, call! The person can always choose to not pick up.” If you do call, let your friend or loved one know that you’re there for them, and make sure they know that there’s no pressure for them to call you back.
If you’re not sure what to say, something along the lines of, “I’m so sorry to hear about,” or “I can’t imagine what this must feel like for you” are good sentiments to fall back on. Acknowledgement can go a long way, even if you don’t know the person well.
If you run into someone you know is grieving, don’t avoid them or engage in small talk like everything is normal, Megan Devine, author of It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand says it’s best to let the grieving person lead. “I tend to make eye contact,” Devine says.
“And maybe a little nod of the head to say I see you, and I’m going to respect your space right now, but I want you to know that I see you,” The best way to show support for someone who’s grieving is to let them know you’re there for them — and then actually show up.
“When words are inadequate, it’s your presence that makes a difference,” says Dr. Alan Wolfelt, the director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition, If there’s a funeral or memorial service, make an effort to attend. “You’ll always remember the people that do, in fact, show up,” Wolfelt says. If you’re unsure what to say to someone at a funeral, it’s okay just to let them know that you’re sorry for their loss.
It lets the person know that you recognize their pain without making any assumptions about their grief. Even if you’re not close to the person who’s grieving, it’s almost always a good idea to send a card. If you’re unsure what to write in a sympathy card, it’s okay to keep it short and sweet.
All you really need to say is some variation of: “I’m sorry you’re going through this. I’m here. I’m thinking about you, I love you,” says McDowell, who also has a line of empathy cards, “Your job here is to let the person know you care, and making the effort of sending a card is a great way to do this.
Don’t be afraid to share a favorite story or memory about the person who has passed on.” Gifts are another way to let someone know that you’re thinking of them, especially if you can’t be there in person. You can send something practical, like a book on grief or a voucher for a massage, or something sentimental.
- I love to give flowers,” Crowe says, who recommends giving something that’s meaningful to you.
- If you like music, make a playlist.
- If you’re crafty, knit a coaster.” When someone is grieving, one of the simplest ways to show support is to offer to help with chores and other practical tasks.
- Don’t wait for the person to ask for help.
They might feel like they don’t want to burden anyone, or they might not even realize they need help, says Crowe. Just go ahead and offer — but be specific. While people often say “let me know if you need anything,” it’s much easier for someone to take you up on a specific offer.
- For example, you could offer to pick up the kids from school or day care, bring over a home-cooked meal, or help tackle a stack of paperwork.
- Whatever you offer, make sure it’s something you can really follow through on.
- It’s important that the offer is something you actually like to do,” says Crowe.
“Don’t offer to cook if cooking is stressful for you, for example.” “Many times, people in their anxiety will say silly, inappropriate things,” Wolfelt says. Often, people fall back on clichés and trite comments in an attempt to comfort people in grief, many of which diminish the loss, and cause unintended pain.
- Some phrases to avoid: everything happens for a reason; God wouldn’t give you more than you can handle; what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger; at least they lived a good life.
- Another phrase to avoid: “I know how you feel.” Even if you’ve experienced a similar loss, you shouldn’t assume that someone else is feeling the same way you did.
“Empathy gives you insight into some of the emotions your friend might be having, but saying ‘I know how you feel’ can sound dismissive of their unique experience, and cause them to feel alienated,” says McDowell. Often, after someone dies, whether consciously or unconsciously, people avoid saying the person’s name.
But Devine says you shouldn’t be afraid: saying the person’s name won’t make someone that’s grieving more upset; instead, it will let them know that you remember the person, and you’re open to talking about them, “If you are uncomfortable or worried about upsetting somebody, and they’re saying their person’s name, and you cringe and walk away, you’re erasing their person,” Devine says.
“You’re basically saying, I don’t see this, this is too hard,” Even after everyone else goes back to their day-to-day lives, it can be helpful to keep checking in on the person in the weeks and months after their loss. “Loss doesn’t have an expiration date,” McDowell says.
If something truly bad has happened, a person’s life has changed forever, and just because time has passed, they probably haven’t stopped thinking about their grief.” If you want to reach out but have no idea what to say, McDowell recommends starting with a simple question, like “how are you today?” Adding “today,” acknowledges the fact that they’re going through something painful, while also giving the person an opening to share how they’re feeling.
Reaching out to a friend who has just lost a loved one can be daunting, but it’s better to try and risk making a mistake than not try at all. When people avoid addressing a tragedy out of fear of making things worse, the person grieving can end up feeling abandoned.
What is the best rip message?
General condolence messages. – Generally speaking, think about keeping your condolence concise and kind. Choose a message that shows both sympathy and respect. Refrain from offering any advice or anecdotes at this time. My sincerest condolences for you at this time.
- You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support.
- Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
- My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
- Wishing you the best and know you have my full support in every moment.
- I am thinking of you and your family and sending caring thoughts your way to support you through this.
It is often hard to find the right words at a time like this. May you find peace, comfort, and all the love you need in the days to come. Create your sympathy cards
How do you comfort a grieving friend?
How to talk—and listen—to someone who’s grieving – While you should never try to force someone to open up, it’s important to let your grieving friend or loved one know that you’re there to listen if they want to talk about their loss. Talk candidly about the person who died and don’t steer away from the subject if the deceased’s name comes up.
And when it seems appropriate, ask sensitive questions—without being nosy—that invite the grieving person to openly express their feelings. By simply asking, “Do you feel like talking?” you’re letting your loved one know that you’re available to listen. You can also: Acknowledge the situation. For example, you could say something as simple as: “I heard that your father died.” By using the word “died” you’ll show that you’re more open to talk about how the grieving person really feels.
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. Be patient. Repeating the story is a way of processing and accepting the death.
With each retelling, the pain lessens. By listening patiently and compassionately, you’re helping your loved one heal. Ask how your loved one feels. The emotions of grief can change rapidly so don’t assume you know how the bereaved person feels at any given time. If you’ve gone through a similar loss, share your own experience if you think it would help.
Remember, though, that grief is an intensely individual experience. No two people experience it exactly the same way, so don’t claim to “know” what the person is feeling or compare your grief to theirs. Again, put the emphasis on listening instead, and ask your loved one to tell you how they’re feeling.
- Accept your loved one’s feelings.
- Let the grieving person know that it’s okay to cry in front of you, to get angry, or to break down.
- Don’t try to reason with them over how they should or shouldn’t feel.
- Grief is a highly emotional experience, so the bereaved need to feel free to express their feelings—no matter how irrational—without fear of judgment, argument, or criticism.
Be genuine in your communication. Don’t try to minimize their loss, provide simplistic solutions, or offer unsolicited advice. It’s far better to just listen to your loved one or simply admit: “I’m not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care.” Be willing to sit in silence.
Why do people say hurtful things when grieving?
Coping with Hurtful Words and Attitudes During Grief Advice on dealing with difficult people and hurtful comments during grief Last updated: 18 July 2019 Bereavement is a difficult, lonely time, but negative attitudes and hurtful words from those around you can make it even more difficult to cope.
Normally, you might be good at ignoring negative comments. You might deal with difficult people and upsetting comments by laughing it off. But grief can make even the most well-intentioned remark feel like a painful attack and sometimes, unfortunately, people might not know when they hurt you. Sometimes the circumstances surrounding the death of your loved one can cause negative attitudes from others.
What to Say (and Not Say) to Comfort Someone Who’s Lost a Loved One
For example, social prejudices against mental illness or substance abuse can lead to misconceptions or judgements about the person who has died and the bereaved. Other examples include deaths resulting from criminal activity, accidents caused by human error, dangerous driving and suicide.
- People may express that it was your loved one’s fault, that they “brought it on themselves”, or that you should forget about them because they were careless with their life.
- The underlying misconception here is that you shouldn’t be sad, because they were responsible for their own death.
- This is untrue.
Your grief is valid, no matter how your loved one died. Some people may try to force their opinions on you, religious or otherwise. People bereaved by suicide in particular may be told that suicide is a sin. Even though the person who said this might well believe it to be the truth, these comments can be extremely upsetting and entirely unhelpful.
How long does grief last?
– There is no set length or duration for grief, and it may come and go in waves. However, according to 2020 research, people who experience common grief may experience improvements in symptoms after about 6 months, but the symptoms largely resolve in about 1 to 2 years.
This can be considered a baseline for what the grieving timeline can look like. You may wonder if it is possible to grieve for too long? Santiago Delboy, a psychotherapist practicing in Chicago, says, “who is to say how long is too long?” He says, “you grieve for as long as you need to, even if that takes a lifetime.” Most people find that as time goes on, they slowly learn to cope better with the loss.
It’s also common to feel grief like a roller coaster, where you have ups and downs. However, if your grieving process feels “stuck,” Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby, a psychologist residing in Denver, Colorado, suggests seeking a counselor to help you manage the feelings that are coming up as you grieve.
Is it okay to say my condolences?
It Is OK to Say ‘My Deepest Condolences?’ – Yes, it is OK to say “my deepest condolences.” However, the longer and more formal phrase may be, “Please accept my deepest condolences.” The word “condolence” has been in use since the early 1600s as a noun meaning “sympathetic grief; sorrowing with and for others.” The word soon after came to be used as an outward expression of sympathy.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term was used in 1683 in the following manner: “A complement of condolence to your friend upon the death of his wife.” The current use of the plural form of the word began in the early 1700s. An example of this (according to the OED) can be found in Clarendon’s Hist.
Rebellion: “Foreign Princes addressed their condolences to him.” The OED labels this phrasing as a “formal declaration or expression of sympathy.” In summary, yes, it is acceptable to express your deepest condolences to someone who recently lost a loved one.
What is the difference between sympathy and condolences?
Overview: Condolences vs. Sympathy – The words “condolences” and “sympathy” are often used interchangeably when it comes to messages regarding the death of a loved one or pet. Though they both generally mean the same thing, there are a few differences. “Condolence” is an expression of sympathy as a whole, whereas “sympathy” is the feeling of sorrow you experience when learning of a death that impacts someone you know.
- While you send condolences or messages of sympathy, your sympathy message should highlight your feeling of sorrow for the person’s loss.
- Though there are nuanced differences between these two words, we’d encourage you to not let these linguistic differences hold you back from sending a message to someone you know.
Whether you call it sympathy or condolences, a person who is grieving the loss of a loved one or pet will just be glad to receive your message. They won’t care which of the two words you use when sending a message their way. » MORE: Not everyone reads the newspaper.
What is the best rip message?
General condolence messages. – Generally speaking, think about keeping your condolence concise and kind. Choose a message that shows both sympathy and respect. Refrain from offering any advice or anecdotes at this time. My sincerest condolences for you at this time.
- You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support.
- Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
- My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
- Wishing you the best and know you have my full support in every moment.
- I am thinking of you and your family and sending caring thoughts your way to support you through this.
It is often hard to find the right words at a time like this. May you find peace, comfort, and all the love you need in the days to come. Create your sympathy cards