It is universal to send sympathy messages to the bereaved when someone dies, but sending sympathies to somebody you love, someone you're extremely close to can be hard. When sending a sympathy note to a person or a family member that you didn't know that well, the emotional meaning is not so intense, you are sad for them, but not overwhelmingly so. But if it's a close family or friend to whom you're expressing your condolences, the feelings are much more intense. It will be quite difficult to sit down and write that wholehearted expression without being overpowered with emotions yourself. The following article explains some of the things to keep in mind when sending sympathy messages to someone you care for.
What to Say and Avoid When Giving a Sympathy Message to Somebody You Love
To sit down and write a message of sympathy to someone you love about their recent loss is one of the most difficult things you can do for them during their time of grief. But composing such a letter can be a painful and difficult thing to do. Most likely all you can think of is how much you cared about them, and what they must be going through. You may be confused with feelings of contrition and hopelessness because you can't be there during their time of need. These are normal feelings that any loving friend or family goes through on these sad times, remember one thing, that person is waiting to hear from you, and your sympathy message can make all the difference.
If the bereaved is a close personal friend or family, the first thing you'll most likely do is call them and show your agony about their pain. But a phone call only lasts for a brief amount of time, or hours at most. A tenderly written sympathy message will will forever be near to their hearts, and give them something to remember your companionship at their time of biggest need. Many people keep the letters they receive as trophies of the compassion they were shown after experiencing the death of their loved one. A letter from a close friend can be especially comforting.
The Right Things to Say in Your Sypathy Message
Try and keep your sympathy message short, expressing your sentiment towards them and letting the person know that you feel for them. As a close personal friend or family member however, you are at liberty to say much more. Don't shy away from letting them know how important your friendship or relationship is to you, they need your generosity more than ever at this time. Speaking about old times, and their friend that has passed on, partner, spouse or other relative is good therapy for those who have been through such a loss. Your feelings of fondness for the deceased will validate their own feelings of the specialness of him or her
If you can't be there physically, let them know in no uncertain terms that you are there for them and you're reachable at any time. Discuss your desire to get together as soon as life allows in your letter, and mean it. Think of how much your relationship with this person means to you as you are writing. Speak from your heart, and your letter of sympathy will be a refreshing, uplifting source of the love that they desperately need during this time of heartache and sadness.
Author Resource:-
Suzie Kolber recommends ObituariesHelp.org for sympathy quotes, free sympathy letters, guides to building a family tree, sample notes of sympathy and condolence, written examples of eulogies as well as help with all aspects of funeral planning.