All of the things you may have encountered with that person or things that were shared with you about that person are likely the things that will be missed the most. Nothing soothes grief more than knowing that person was loved. Add a personal touch in your sympathy card Losing someone can consume a person, a reminder of their life before tragedy hit is a tasteful way to remind them that eventually life will go on and they will be fine.ĥ. Mention the things you love to do together, offer a date to do that thing when they feel up to themselves. This is the window during which the cards and help have dwindled off and the person is left picking up the pieces, sometimes alone. One to three months is usually a good time to check back up on the person. In your condolence card message state you will follow up with them in a month in the future to see if they need anything. I may be far away but never hesitate to call me if you need." "Though I cannot take the pain away I want you to know that in me you have a shoulder to lean on and an ear for listening.(make a meal for your family, baby sit your children, house sit, dog/cat sit, mow your lawn, etc.)" "In this stressful time, please let me know if I can help in any way.
Mention specific ways you would be available to help. There is often so much to do after the passing of a loved one that making something as simple as dinner can prove to be a difficult task. If you would like to offer some help, don't be afraid to offer. How about we look through her old cookbook and make some of her favorite dessert recipes in her memory?" Example: "Your grandma was the best baker I've ever known.
Sometimes light humor can ease the grief, but add it into your sympathy message with caution. A normally funny person may be aching for a good chuckle. If the person is a jokester or loves shoes, find a way to tastefully weave something about them into your message. If you are crafting a condolence card message for someone that is close to you, consider their personality in the crafting of your message. Craft your message based on the person’s personality Example: "Hey, I know that you're going through a rough time, but I want you to know that you aren't alone in this and that there are people here for you even if only to offer a smile."Ģ. Tips for writing condolences and sympathy messagesĭon't just say, "Hey, it gets better." Rather, let them know that you are aware of the grief they may be feeling and that you want to offer that emotional understanding. And you do this best just by being yourself and expressing your self. Sometimes the griever just wants the positive energy from others to get through their situation. What's great about sympathizing with someone is that you can be supportive while still being yourself. Don't feel obligated to take the empathic step. Sympathy is an easier feeling because of the flexibility you have in the ways you can be supportive. It is not quite involved as being empathic but it is an active gesture of going out of your way to provide emotional comfort and support to the griever. How about condolences? Condolences are intangible offers of comfort. You are able to provide support by being sensitive to the situation. It is an emotional understanding of the griever's feelings. What is sympathy? Sympathy is simply compassion. It is seeing the situation through the eyes of the griever and channeling your emotions in a way that the griever would experience it. What does empathy mean? Empathy is figuratively putting yourself in another person's shoes. We know how important it is to lend a piece of your heart and pay your respects, while being thoughtful, mindful, and open with your condolences. Expressing your feelings and finding the right words of sympathy to offer support and comfort can be a challenging and intimidating experience. One particular type may be a bit more difficult to write than others: sympathy and condolence cards. Wishing happy birthday, sending congratulations, or even just to say "I'm thinking of you!" Unfortunately, not all greeting cards are cause for celebration. Greeting cards most often bring about thoughts of celebration.