It is essential to express our condolences in a right way to the grieved people. Most of us are uncomfortable with death and do not know what to express or what not? Some do's and don'ts for expressing your condolences:-
- If your close family friend has lost any of his / his family member, visit personally. Call ahead of time to make sure that his family at home and is receiving the people coming to express their condolences.
- If your friend has lost of his / her family members (father / mother / brother / sister), most courteous way to say is 'I am sorry to hear about your father now'. Listen to him / her with compassion. Let him / her speak more and listen. If you have gone through the similar loss, share your own experience if you think it might help.
- If you are not very close to any person who has lost somebody in his family, say that you feel sorry for the loss and express your deepest condolences to his / her family.
- You can psychologically support him / her, by carrying food for their family, helping in funeral arrangements or by staying at home to receive guests and take phone calls.
- If you are out of country / city / place, and cannot visit personally, you can make phone calls.
- Never use pre-printed card without adding your brief hand-written personal message.
- It would be highly impersonal sending your condolence message via emails, social networks etc.
- Never use the phrases like "It is God's will" or "He will be happy there".
- Do not socialize with others at funerals and prayer meetings as you are attending marriage and other functions.
- It would be highly disrespectful and rude, asking about family's will, assets, insurance policies or investments.
- Make your presence by a phone call or personal visit during holidays, festivals etc. when they feel very hard and make them feel that you are there for his / her needs.