If you’ve been tasked with writing a condolence letter to someone who has lost a loved one, you have an important job. It can be hard to know what exactly to say in these letters. This article will give you advice on how to write a condolence letter so that it brings comfort instead of sadness or anger.
When you are writing a condolence letter, it is important to remember that the person receiving it is going through a lot and may be feeling some of the following:
Grief: A big part of writing a condolence letter is to let the person know that you are there for them in their time of grief, and to show your sympathy. It is important not to preach or give advice in this letter, as they may not be ready to hear it yet. They are looking for comfort and a shoulder to lean on.
Pain and suffering: They are in pain, suffering, and going through a hard time right now. Make sure to show your empathy by letting them know that you understand how they feel. Also, remind them that this will get better with time. Don’t try to rush their feelings.
Rejection: They are grieving and may be feeling rejected by certain family members or even their friends. Rejection is a big part of grief because there may be people who don’t feel like they want to offer support in this time of need. If you have noticed that someone is treating them differently at this time, make sure to let them know that they still have you.
Loss: They lost someone special in their life and will be grieving for a long time. Rather than focussing on the loss, remind them of the good times they had with this person.
Reaction: While some people go into a depression when they are grieving, others react differently. Some might laugh or cry at inappropriate times, and others might want to punch something. Understanding how your friend or family member is reacting will help you to better form your condolence letter.
Finally, the best thing you can do in this time of grief is be supportive, positive and understanding, and let the person know that you will help them through this difficult time. However, if you’re struggling to put your support into words or the task is causing you emotional strain or stress, there are several alternatives to the writing of a condolence letter. These include sending flowers, food baskets or donations on behalf of the family member(s).
