Updated:: Nov 7, 2018
Original:: Jun 23, 2010

How to Express Sympathy

A grieving friend or family member may experience shock and sadness of loss when someone dies. Express your sympathy at a funeral by offering them much needed support.

Instructions

Step 1: Offer your time Offer your personal time to help with needs such as arranging transportation, cleaning a home, or helping watch children.
Step 2: Cook Bring, buy, or prepare food. Often, after a death, time is taken up by grieving and funeral arrangements, and mourners won't have time to cook for themselves. Sometimes a meal can say what words cannot.
Step 3: Send flowers Send flowers with a personalized message or donate to their recommended charity.
Step 4: Give them a hug Offer a hug, or two.
Step 5: Listen Listen to them and allow them to express their feelings.
TIP: Listen without offering any advice.
Step 6: Call Call and express your sympathy or send a card and express it in writing.
Step 7: Be present Be in their presence. Even if you do not talk, being physically present can be helpful.
FACT: Neuroscientists have found that feelings of sympathy not only trigger brain activity in areas associated with emotion, but also in areas associated with performing an action.