Everyone is aware that the grieving times are the toughest. We have all had people we have lost, or have had closed ones who have lost someone. Most of us don’t know how to console people who have lost someone or even offer our condolences. Everyone is afraid that they might say something that they shouldn’t and might end up hurting them more. There may not be a lot that you can say, perhaps sometimes even your silence is appreciated, but you must always express your sympathy and acknowledge their loss. The very first step to offer your condolences is to listen.
Listen and Empathize
Perhaps you will never understand what to say, however, the first thing you must do is listen. Listen to what someone who’s experienced a loss has to say. It is important that you make personal contact with people who have lost a close one.
You may wonder why it is important to listen to the griever. This is because when you start listening to the griever, they are usually telling you a story. The griever starts to make sense of their loss when they start storytelling. Of course, it isn’t always easy to listen to someone and always be supportive towards them, but it is the best you can do for the griever.
Along with listening, remember that you have to empathize with the grievers. When you show sympathy, you acknowledge that you understand that it is a hard time for the person. You can sympathize with them by saying the following;
‘I may not understand what you are going through, but I understand that it must be very hard for you.’
‘I’m sorry for your loss.’
If it is appropriate, then you can also show them affection by holding their hand, touching their arm, or giving them a hug.
