What not to say when someone dies
What Not to Say After Someone Dies People say all kinds of hurtful things. Some folks grope for words in the midst of grief and sorrow and trip all over their tongues. They end up saying something hurtful—sometimes deeply so. And it’s doubly painful when the ones who say these things are the very people we look to for comfort. If you’re reading this and preparing to be with someone who is dying—or supporting someone who has lost a loved one—please, watch your tongue . Over the years, I’ve heard people say terrible things to those who are grieving. Let me walk you through some of the worst, so you can avoid doubling down on someone’s sorrow and instead offer genuine care. If you’re the one who’s dying, I don’t need to tell you that people will say all kinds of ridiculous things to you. They don’t know what to say when someone’s lost their hair, sixty pounds, and is suffering from chemo. Instead of simply sitting in silence with you, they fill the space with small talk. They’...
