How to comfort the bereaved?
By jasbir_pro
@jasbir_pro (283)
India
June 17, 2008 9:56am CST
One of my friends lost his mother yesterday night. I was there today morning. I don't know if I am not conversant with the protocal, but I, as always, found myself wondering how to comfort my friend and his elder brother. I am always at a loss of words in such situations. Should we say something or should be keep quiet? What should we say, if we should? I strongly feel an urge to say something, that can somehow diminish their sorrow, but what could it be?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@ellie333 (21016)
•
27 Jun 08
I agree totally with rantinqueen and the advice she gave, the best thing you can do is just to be there for them as a listening ear if they want to talk, as a shoulder to cry on if they want to cry or just to sit and let them reflect their thoughts. You are very kind to be so concerned over your friend and his brother. Caring is sometimes enough. Ellie :D
@jasbir_pro (283)
• India
28 Jun 08
Thanks. Also I don't like people especially who are not that close weeping just to show that they are hurt, which in turn probably makes the sticken worse.
@rantingqueen (495)
• United States
27 Jun 08
The best thing to do is to just be there. Let them talk if they want to talk, let them cry if they want to cry, and just be there. There really isn't anything you can say to make the loss easier to deal with. Allowing them to lean on you when they need to, is the best medicine.
@jasbir_pro (283)
• India
28 Jun 08
That is exactly what I do. I never have an idea what to say to comfort them, so I just stay there. But doesn't being there without saying any thing make them uncomfortable too.
