Although you might not feel like texting is the best way to reach out to comfort someone who's grieving, sometimes it's the most appropriate way to offer your condolences.
Offering a simple “thinking of you” text message can let them know that you're there for them. They might be in the midst of a grief “fog” and not even be aware that they need your help. Sending a text that lets them know you are thinking about them can give them a gentle nudge to let them know you are there for them.
a very close friend I would message daily or every other day and call but check to see if they wanted to speak. It so much depends on your pattern of friendship normally, I'd take that as a basis and increase the frequency a lot. You can always just ask her.
1. Check in on them. Make an effort to check in with your friend, even if it is a quick phone call, a card or an invitation to grab a coffee together. You might be surprised how much your check-ins mean to a friend who is grieving.
Many bereaved people say it helps to be able to speak freely about how they're feeling. Saying "How are you doing?" gives them a chance to talk about it if they want to. If you know the person quite well, you could ask them directly, "Would you like to talk about it?".
Proper etiquette suggests that people should acknowledge receipt of gifts and personal messages with thank you notes, even after a funeral. Expert etiquette website, EmilyPost.com, says there is only one exception to this rule: if the card does not contain a personalized message it does not require a thank you note.
If you can't think of something to say, just offer eye contact, a squeeze of the hand, or a reassuring hug. Offer your support. Ask what you can do for the grieving person. Offer to help with a specific task, such as helping with funeral arrangements, or just be there to hang out with or as a shoulder to cry on.
It might seem disrespectful not to attend a parent's funeral, but this is ultimately a personal choice. There is no obligation to attend a funeral, and you might find that you would like to say goodbye in your own way. If you were estranged from the parent, you may have already grieved their death in your own way.
Overall, it's okay to offer condolences over text, as long as you give thought to finding the right words and how to express your sympathy in an appropriate way. Taking the time to show your support and understanding can help someone who is grieving feel less isolated and more connected with those around them.
Try to respect what the bereaved person is choosing to share with you and focus on listening rather than finding out more. Give the bereaved person space to open up if they want to, while also being sensitive if they would rather not take it further.
Why Do People Push Loved Ones Away After a Death? Pushing loved ones away when grieving usually results from dealing with the significance of a tremendous loss. Withdrawing from others is sometimes easier to do for a bereaved person than facing their pain and suffering head-on.
Keep your words simple. “I'm so sorry for your loss,” can say it all. sympathy. him or her happy or return him or her to the way he or she was before the death.
Don't tell friends or family members who are grieving that their loved one has gone to a better place. Never call the death a blessing or speculate that it was that person's time. Avoid saying anything that suggests that the loss of the loved one is a positive thing.
After the funeral, the family and close relatives to the deceased are supposed to refrain from entertainment and merry-making. This is a basic rule that should be adhered to during such times and events. A period of 49 days is prescribed for this as a way of showing respect to the departed family member.
The period after the funeral can be challenging. Between the death and the funeral, you may have been surrounded by family and friends, and kept busy making arrangements. It may not be until after the funeral that you feel the full intensity of your grief.
Tell family members and friends about the death. Employer or educational establishments. Health professionals.
Funerals are a way for friends and family to say their goodbyes, reminisce, or grieve, and ultimately find closure. Choosing whether to attend is at the discretion of each individual, family member. Whatever you choose, know that it isn't disrespectful to not go to a funeral for personal reasons.
Look for the checkmarks: A single gray checkmark indicates a successfully sent message. The appearance of a second gray checkmark shows your message was delivered to the recipient's phone. The two checkmarks will turn blue if the recipient has viewed your message.