Tips when Talking to a Grieving Friend

Oftentimes, people do not know exactly what to say and how to react when a close friend or an officemate has revealed that a member of his family has died. Because they are confused as to what words they can use to console the grieving friend, it may come off as being insensitive.

If you have a buddy who is grieving because his family member is about to go through basic cremation after the death, here are some tips on how you can help in dealing with his emotions.

• Don’t be afraid to talk about the deceased. When your friends are grieving, they are devastated about losing an important person in their life. But they will love it when people talk about the good things that the deceased has done for others. They will get to know that their departed loved one has influenced so many lives when he was still alive. Although it will be initially hard for them to talk about the deceased, continuously doing it will help your friends vent out their feelings.

• Leave your friend alone if they ask you to. Everyone will need some space when trying to get over the death of someone. And many people would want to get some time alone so that they can contemplate by themselves about their life without that person moving forward. If your friend will ask you to give them space, do not be afraid to keep some distance. But you need to reassure them that you will always be there when they will be ready to talk.

• If you don’t know what to say, just lend an understanding ear. Although you can’t necessarily help with the funeral or cremation costs, you can definitely comfort your grieving friends by lending your ear. Sometimes, giving them too much advice about moving on will let them keep their guards up. Let them vent out their feelings and just listen to them in the most understanding way.