Content

• Steps

When you lose a loved one, it will take a long time to heal your emotional wound. Friends and family can comfort you through condolences, letters, text messages, and wreaths. Remember that people offer condolences because they care for you and love you. When you are ready, you need to know how to respond to those messages and act kindly.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Find out what you should say

1. 

   Respond directly to condolences with a sincere "thank you". People understand that you will be emotional or painful. When they say "I'm sorry for your loss", they just want you to know that they are comforting you, and won't expect a longer conversation. A simple "thank you" would be relevant.
   • You can also respond briefly, "I appreciate it", or "You are so kind."
   • If they know a deceased person who is also grieving, you can acknowledge it by responding, "You must be very sad too."

2. 

   
   
   Write simple and sincere messages for those who have sent cards or gifts. If you reply to messages online or write cards, you don't have to be wordy. Thank the recipient for their understanding or comfort. You can mention a specific detail, such as the wreath they sent or they attended the memorial service.
   • Here is an example of a thank you message: “Thank you for showing your sympathy during this difficult time with our family. I sincerely appreciate the fresh wreath she sent. To me, her feelings and comfort are very meaningful ”.
   • If you are replying to a letter, choose the method of binding based on your relationship with the recipient. If it is a family member or close friend, you can write "Love" or "Dear". If they are someone you do not know well, such as a friend or colleague of the deceased, you can write "Kind regards" or "Sincerely".

3. 

   
   
   Reply when you are ready. Some people respond to their condolences for a few weeks to help them heal their wounds faster. If you are not ready to respond, take extra time to grieve. Try writing some responses in 2 to 3 months. If you're still having trouble, you can ask a friend for help. advertisement

Method 2 of 2: Reply to messages and messages

1. 

   
   
   Send a note or handwritten card back to the person who sent you the letter. You will probably receive all kinds of short letters and condolences. If you receive sincere handwritten letters, take the time to write the response yourself.
   • If you receive a signed joint condolence card, you usually do not need to respond.

2. 

   Responding with pre-printed cards provided by the funeral planner is the simple solution. If you are unable to write personal feedback, use the thank you cards that funeral organizers often provide. These cards often have messages thanking recipients for expressing their sympathy.
   • If you want to reply to a simple thank you card with a long letter, write a message on the card saying that you'll be more private when possible.

3. 

   Post feedback on the funeral website in response to those who sent the message. Many funeral homes offer online obituaries, where people can post condolences as well as public comment. You can reply to all the messages on the funeral website yourself, thank you for their kind words.
   • Here is an example of a message you can respond to: “Thank you everyone for your care and your prayers. Our family cherished that kindness during this difficult time ".

4. 

   Post on social media to thank those who sent their condolences online. Nowadays, it is more and more popular to express condolences online. If you receive some online messages or comments, such as Facebook, you can post a thank you message to nice people for their condolences.
   • If your Facebook friends send cards or call after texting online, take the time to respond with a separate thank you card.

5. 

   Thank someone by email if that's how you normally communicate. Sending emails may be considered non-personal. However, if a friend or relative has sent their condolences by email, and that is how you normally communicate, it is okay to reply by email.
   • If the person attended the funeral or sent a handwritten letter, you can call them or reply with a note.
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