Words With ScrabbleScrabble, Words With Friends, Lexulous

by iainmallochmcgregor

Sympathy Words: A Few Ideas For Comforting Others

Nearly everybody has, at some time or another, experienced the loss of a loved one. Many have also been in the position to comfort a friend at the loss of someone dear to them. In either case, sympathy words are exchanged. The perennial problem is, of course, that in times of grief, it may be difficult to find the right words. It may in fact be difficult to physically say them at all. However, it’s important to express your sympathy to your friend or loved one, and you can find examples of sympathy words at ObituariesHelp.org

What Words of Sympathy to Say

Choosing your words when you are called on to comfort someone in grief is more complicated than just trying to make them feel better. You want them to know that you can empathize with their pain. The difficult part in all of that is knowing that they will have heard sympathy words from perhaps a hundred other people as well, so what can you say that will truly give them peace and closure? Look to samples of sympathy words online for inspiration. An excellent website that has words of sympathy samples in cards, letters, sayings and quotes is at ObituariesHelp.org

Here is something to think about: If you had just lost one of your parents or a sibling, what would you find comforting? How well you know someone is a good litmus test of what you should say and how you should say it. When finding sympathy words, always remember to whom you are speaking. If that person is a very private individual, he or she may prefer to be left alone for the most part. In that case, knowing when the appropriate time to approach is essential to successfully providing comforting sympathy words to the grieving person.

A Short List of Sympathy Words

The following is a short list of sympathy words you can say to someone to bring him or her comfort. You can find a complete list of sympathy words for dozens of different situations at www.ObituariesHelp.org.

You are always in my prayers He/She would be very happy to know that you loved him/her so much Always remember that you have friends and we are here for you, so if there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask. You can find peace in the good memories that you have I know this is hard, but you can make it through

These are just a few things that people have found to be helpful over the years. They are effective mainly because the speaker empathizes with the bereaved. That is the main thing, and it cannot be overstated. Your sympathy words should show that you empathize with the kind of pain they are experiencing, and that you can help them through it.

Sympathy Phrases to Avoid

Saying “I know how you feel” to someone who has lost a loved one is not the best way to show your sympathy. Words like that can sometimes hurt more than they help because no one can truly know what another person is feeling about anything, especially the death of someone dear. ObituariesHelp.org also has lists of Phrases to Avoid for sympathy sayings or words of sympathy.

Also, avoid being at all insincere. Again, remember that this person will most likely have heard sympathy words from many other people over a few days, so the last thing they want to hear is condolences that are not heartfelt. Don’t offer your help if you can’t or won’t actually help.

Actions Speak Louder than Words

Sometimes, offering sympathy words can involve no words at all. Making a meal for someone when you know they don’t feel like cooking for themselves can be a great help. Simply offering a hug is often a very comforting gesture. Day to day tasks may be hard for the bereaved to complete. Doing their dishes, mowing the lawn, taking the kids to school or other activities are all ways to show you care and are simple sympathy gestures that mean so much.

The grieving process is different for everybody, but the one immutable truth behind everybody’s experience is that the right words or gestures can go a long way towards easing the pain of this difficult transition in their lives.

by Gustavo Pimenta

Sympathy Words: A Guide To Writing Words Of Sympathy And Comfort

In tough times, the right sympathy words can go a long way to soothing the turbulent heart of the bereaved. While you are searching for the right words to express your sadness and empathy, you may very well be combating your own emotional roller coaster or taking your own trip through the grieving process. ObituariesHelp.org takes the guesswork out of what to write in a sympathy card or letter.

Never is it really easy to write good words of sympathy, but the first time you do it can be the hardest. What do you say? You can find examples of sympathy words at ObituariesHelp.org If you’ve ever lost someone you love, you know that there really isn’t any one thing that makes you feel better. Time, as they say, cures all, but time is the only thing you can’t put into writing.

Why write words of sympathy?

Why not just pull the person aside at the funeral (or after) and speak to them? Several things make a written note preferable to conversation. In the first place, holding a conversation requires you to think on your feet, and often in the case of a funeral or wake, you are grieving as well, making this hard to do. You have a chance to take some time and write out what you really want to say. Take your time writing your sympathy words and go back over it when you’re done. That way you can be sure of what you’re really trying to convey to a grieving person, and that is that they are not alone.

The first thing you ought to keep in mind is to write words of sympathy from the heart. This may sound cheesy, but it is true. Sincerity is hard to fake, and lack of it shows through. Put yourself in their shoes and think about what would ease your mind. How well do you know the person you are writing to? Perhaps they are too overcome with grief to even care about the content, and will be satisfied that you are thinking of them. The main point here is not to go overboard with the sympathies- let them know you’re hurting too and that you’re there for some mutual support.

Chances are that you knew the person, if not very well, then at least well enough to have had some experience that the bereaved will be able to identify with. Mention this in your letter. Bringing up positive memories of a person can be very effective consolation. Sharing a story about the person helps them to remember the good times, especially if the deceased had a long illness.

Sample Sympathy Letter

Here is a short example of what a sympathy letter would look like. Keep in mind that while there is a loose ‘formula’ for your words of sympathy, you should avoid making it sound like you are copying it. This is just here to guide you in your own tough time.

Dear Friend,

There is no way to perfectly express my sadness at the loss of your brother. I cannot even imagine how you must be feeling right now, but please know that as long as friends stick together, we can make it through this tribulation.

Growing up, you know that your brother was like a brother to me as well. I remember well the fishing trips the three of us would arrange; loading up the bikes and heading out to Windy Creek to try and snag a few blue gills out of the water. Always the older brother, he taught me how to bait the hook and where to drop the line. Of course, we were just kids, but for those few hours every weekend, we were bass fishing pros hauling in record setting quarries.

I know it is hard to accept you brother’s death, but we must all remember that death is a natural part of life, however short that life may be. In your brother’s case, I believe he was taken from us too soon, though I also believe there is a reason for everything. His sickness was very difficult to endure, and we must take comfort in the fact that he is no longer in pain.

The loss of a family member is always difficult, but your brother’s death seems particularly hard for me. Grieve with me, and I will grieve with you. Together, I believe we can overcome this sadness and come out better for it.

Your Eternal Friend,

Handwriting Your Sympathy Words

Taking the time to write your words of sympathy in a sympathy card or letter does more than offer condolences. It shows the grieving person that you are truly thinking of them and that your sympathy words are sincere. These same words typed do not have the same impact and meaning as sympathy words handwritten from the heart. Even if you don’t know what to write, copying a sample sympathy letter from ObituariesHelp.org by hand will express your support to the grieving.

by @thewtb

Sympathy Words: Tips For Finding The Right Words Of Sympathy After The Death Of A Loved One

When someone you love has passed on, it can be difficult to find the right sympathy words to say. You’re grieving your own loss, but also know that their family is in a great deal of pain. The words of sympathy you want to convey may seem empty. However, it’s important to express your sympathy to your friend or loved one, and you can find examples of sympathy words at ObituariesHelp.org Show they know you care about what they’re experiencing. Sympathy words can stand out in the mind of a survivor long after the sharp stab of grief begins to fade.

If you need to write sympathy words, but are unsure where to begin, consider consulting a book or website like ObituariesHelp.org for ideas. There are a wide variety of sample phrases, ideas for sympathy cards, and even entire sample sympathy letters available online. You can use these examples to generate ideas, and then compose the sympathy letter that you’ve been imagining. This tip is especially useful if you find yourself stuck as to what to say, or if you’re experiencing anxiety about writing a sympathy letter.

Sympathy Words Show Support and Acknowledge Grief

Keep in mind, however, that your sympathy message should still be friendly, personable, and show your unique personality. Your loved one needs your emotional support and friendship, not empty sympathy words. If you have a favorite memory of the deceased, a funny story, or an appropriate quotation to share, add them to your sympathy letter. Your sympathy words will hold a touch of your unique personality, making them something to be treasured for years to come.

Take the time to acknowledge the recipient’s grief. This may well be the hardest thing they’ve ever endured, and they may not know where to turn. Don’t wait for the perfect words – instead, meet them where they are. Use simple, honest language to show them that you care, and that you’re there for them when they need you. Your sympathy words, while they may seem imperfect to you, are sure to show your love and support.

Sympathy Words of Faith and Secular Words of Sympathy

If you know that the recipient of your sympathy messages is religious, it may be appropriate to include a relevant scripture, such as Psalm 23. If you know the deceased’s favorite passage, this would also be appropriate to share. After a loss, many are able to find solace in their faith. You can also offer to pray as appropriate, whether for the bereaved family or the deceased. The survivors are sure to appreciate your spiritual and emotional support.

If you know that the family member left behind was not a religious individual, or if you are unfamiliar with their specific spiritual beliefs, you may want to find a secular sympathy card. He or she has lost a loved one and may be angry at the deceased, at the world, and at God. Now is not the time to share your religious beliefs. Instead, use sympathy words that are friendly and comforting, but nondenominational, to avoid alienating your loved one in their time of grief.

Following Up with Sympathy Words

If you are close to the surviving family members, consider following up with more sympathy words a month or so after the funeral. By this time, the initial shock will have begun to fade, and they may be wondering where to begin rebuilding their life. Many of their acquaintances will have lost touch, unsure how to speak to the survivor. You can offer your support by sending a simple sympathy message letting them know you are thinking of them and available to chat. This small gesture will mean more than you can imagine – after all, grief doesn’t end after a few weeks.

You can use these tips to write sympathy words that are both personal and appropriate for the occasion. Consult reference sources like those at www.ObituariesHelp.org, but be sure to include unique personal touches. Include a religious reference if appropriate, and follow up after a month or so to show your love and support after the funeral. By following these guidelines, you can write perfect sympathy words each time they’re required.

Find More Words With Friends Articles

by mdave

Sympathy Words: How to Write Words of Sympathy in Cards and Letters

Sympathy words in a letter or sympathy card can be an encouraging ray of light to someone who has recently lost a loved one. After a death, things can seem bleak and depressing, and words of sympathy are often a helpful way for the bereaved to cope with their loss. Receiving mail from friends and loved ones showing that they care in a difficult time is a great source of comfort. As a friend of the bereaved, however, finding the right sympathy words to show how much you care can be difficult. www.ObituariesHelp.org has free examples of sympathy words and sayings you can use to help you write your own sympathy card or letter.

Finding the right sympathy words, although not an easy task is well worth the time and effort you’ll spend. www.ObituariesHelp.org takes the guesswork out of what to write in a sympathy card or letter. The survivor will receive many pre-printed sympathy words in the form of cards and other greetings, but very few handwritten sympathy messages. By taking the time to write your own words of sympathy on a purchased greeting card, you’re showing your friend that they’re special to you and that you sincerely want to help them through a difficult time. Your words of comfort and support will serve as a reminder of your love for the deceased, and may be treasured for years to come.

Tips for Writing Sympathy Words

When you sit down to compose your letter or card, be transparent about your feelings. Don’t feel that you need to “dress up” your words, use flowery language, or be excessively fancy. Instead, write your sympathy message as if you’re speaking to your friend face-to-face. They’ll appreciate a genuine message from your heart more than a contrived sympathy message that you had to work to write. There are many sample sympathy words for cards and letters available online that can give you a clear idea of what to write.

If you’re sending a card, you can either write your message on the non-printed area inside, or jot it on a piece of stationary and tuck it into the card. If writing a letter, take the time to pen it by hand. Don’t send a sympathy letter printed on the computer or a card with your signature pre-printed – you want the sympathy message to be as personal as possible.

Send your sympathy words in a timely manner. A general rule of thumb is to mail out the card or letter no more than two weeks after the death. This generally means that your words of sympathy will arrive shortly after the funeral – a time when your loved one will need them most. If you’ve procrastinated, however, don’t feel as though you cannot send your sympathy message. Your heartfelt words are sure to be appreciated, even if they’re a bit delayed.

Words of Sympathy to Include in Your Message

There are some basic elements that should always be included in a sympathy letter. By including all of these elements, you’ll end up with a nicely written sympathy letter each time you need one, without struggling to find the right words.

First, you should sincerely express your sympathy for your loved one’s loss. Mention the deceased by name, and refer to them casually or by a nickname if appropriate. Avoid using overly formal language if you had a friendly relationship.

Secondly, include a memory of the deceased if possible. Mention their character strengths or endearing qualities, and demonstrate to the survivor that their loved one will be missed. Last, choose a personal closing for your letter. Use words that show the reader that they’re in your thoughts, such as “Wishing you Peace” or “Thinking of You”. Generic greeting such as “Sincerely”, while appropriate, lack a personal touch. For specific sympathy words to use to close a letter.

Sympathy words can be difficult to write, but are always appreciated. By taking the time to write genuine words of sympathy and send them to your loved one, you’re demonstrating how much you care and showing them that their family member will be missed. By using these tips and guidelines, you can craft sympathy words that will encourage and comfort your friends and family in difficult times.