Elizabeth S. asked Krause Funeral Homes about how to best comfort someone who is grieving. She wrote that many “try to equate something in their own lives to the grief that another is feeling. ‘I know how you feel; my cat of 12 years died of cancer too.'”
While clichés and advice may be well intended, they can add to feelings of grief. Some phrases to AVOID:
* “I know how you feel.”
* “It was bound to happen.”
* “She’s better off now.”
* “Time heals all wounds.”
* “You have to keep busy.”
* “Things will be back to normal in a month or so.”
* “Now you can get on with your life.”
* “It’s all for the best.”
* “You’ll get over it.”
When you don’t know what to say, a sincere “I’m so sorry for your loss” is a good alternative to giving advice or using clichés.
For additional tips on funeral etiquette click here.
*For privacy reasons, we have changed or abbreviated the name of the person who has asked a question or posted a comment.
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