What Not To Say To Someone Who Just Lost A Loved One | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

What Not To Say To Someone Who Just Lost A Loved One

"I know how you feel."

358
What Not To Say To Someone Who Just Lost A Loved One
atoach / Flickr

Whether it's at a funeral or wake or just consoling someone during their grief, everyone feels the need to say something to make the situation better. But unfortunately, there is nothing anyone can do to make it better. Instead, we must be there for those who have lost someone, and make sure to avoid saying these things.

1. At least he/she lived a long life

No amount of time is ever enough with someone so dear. Something like this feels like excusing the passing and making it sound like it's okay. Despite grandparents sometimes being elderly at the time of their death, it doesn't make the grief any less intense.

2. Everything happens for a reason

I believe this with everything in me. But sometimes, it's impossible to see a reason, especially right away. And just because I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, it doesn't mean other people are and it doesn't make it right to say especially so soon after a death. Let the person come to realizations and understandings on their own. It may take months or years, but do not try to convince them this death happened for whatever reason.

3. I know how you feel

No. no no no. I don't care if you went through the same exact situation, you do not know how anyone else feels. You've been in their shoes in terms of the loss, but you have no idea how another person is dealing with a loss.

4. It's been over a year, you need to move on

No one gets to put a time stamp on how long recovery takes. For some, the grief period is shorter than others. Others might take years to cope with a death especially when it's someone so close. Never make someone feel like their should be over it.

5. At least he/she didn't suffer

No matter the situation, there is no way of knowing if the person was in any pain. People might also choose to keep that information inside rather than share if the person lost suffered at all.

6. You look like you're handling this well

Crying in front of people 24/7 gets old really fast. Every now and again people will try to hold it in to get through some conversation or they will wait until they are in private to let those feelings out. By telling someone how great they look given the situation, you're encouraging them to not let those feelings out.

7. It was his/her time to go

That's all well and good, but maybe they were still needed here. Just because it was his/her time doesn't mean the family and friends left behind are not entitled to grieve and miss that presence.

8. Stay strong

Once again, this encourages the facade with no tears and fake smiles. Let people cry. Let them show emotion. Let people grieve the losses that have hurt them. There is no time limit on grieving so please do not create one yourself.


Instead of these, remind people that you are here for them. Be with them without saying anything. Let them vent and scream and cry and just hold them. Sometimes silence speaks the loudest. Give hugs. Offer whatever you can. Relive a favorite memory or tell the loved one left behind a story they might not know. Tell them you just don't have the words but you will always be a phone call or text away. Always be ready to listen.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189685
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14588
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457589
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26489
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments