Helping People Who Are Grieving
Arguably, one of the most difficult emotions to handle is grief. This is particularly true in the United States, where discussions about death and dying remain taboo. This is a shame, since death is as much a part of life as birth. In the mortuary business since 1996, we encounter people who are grieving every day. Whether it is over the loss of a loved one or a beloved pet, grief can be all-consuming. If you’ve ever wondered what you should say to someone who is grieving, we have assembled a few suggestions.
What to say to someone who is grieving
Even sanguine personalities struggle to find the right words when interacting with someone who has suffered a loss to death. In many cases, to avoid saying the wrong thing, we often decide to remain moot. And silence isn’t always the right prescription when interacting with someone in grief. Admittedly, remaining quiet is better than saying something hurtful or resorting to staid clichés. But what is the “right thing” to say?
Five things to say to a grieving person
“I’m sorry for your loss.” The most popular phrase uttered when someone dies, this is a standard for a reason. Both to-the-point and honest, this is the rare example where a cliché is apropos.- “Let me help you with – fill-in-the-blank.”
Instead of asking a grieving friend what she’d like help with, simply offer a suggestion. “Let me come over this week to clean your house.” Or, you could offer to run errands for them. Mourners are often too punchy to know what they may need. So, if you see opportunities help, extend the offer. - Offer to listen. Your loved one may not be ready to discuss how he’s feeling. But if he is, your offer to lend an ear could potentially aid his emotional healing. If he says he’s not ready to talk, accept that answer and move on. But if he is, listen intently, resisting the urge to interject with your own personal experiences or suggestions.
- When applicable, ask if you could share a story about the loved one lost. One of the mistakes people often make is that they think they should never mention the deceased. Ignoring the life lost is an obstacle to overcoming grief. Ask, though…so you won’t be sharing information before the bereaved is ready to go there.
- Offer to be there, whatever they need. Loss and loneliness go hand in hand. Letting the mourner know that they have a friend on hand may free them up to pick up the phone when they need encouragement.
About Foothill Funeral & Cremation
Named San Gabriel Valley “Reader’s Choice” for 2017, Foothill Funeral & Cremation has a beautiful showroom and offices located at 402 West Baseline in Glendora. We have also recently developed a strategic partnership with Sacred Heart Chapel in the city of Covina, which allows mourners the opportunity to host funerals and memorial services in a grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County and the Inland Empire.
Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity and trust. We would be honored to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom. which allows mourners the opportunity to host funerals and memorial services in a grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County and the Inland Empire. Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity and trust. We would be honored to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.
