Writing a Sympathy Message

When a person looses a loved one, it is a very lonely and isolated time. . Even though their will be others grieving. It is a personal journey. Sympathy Messages at this time can really help in the healing process, in breaking the grief, if temporarily and letting them know that you are there for them.

It can be quiet daunting having to write a sympathy message. How can you express all you want to say when a friend is hurting so, encapsulate it all in a few lines. Here are some useful ideas to apply when you are writing a message of sympathy.

First make a list of what you are feeling. Words that you want to express comfort with, the solidarity and concern that you feel for them. This isn’t about coming up with a long list but getting to the heart of what you feel in the words and language you use every day. After all this message of sympathy is an expression of your feelings.

This isn’t a time for light heart ripostes even if they are well intended. At a time of heightened emotion they might be taken up wrong or they might make the grief worse.

A sympathy message is primarily focused on the living, it is about bringing them out of the dark spot that they have entered. Bereavement can lead to depression, condolences and sympathy for loss are about showing them that they are not alone.

The message does not have to be that long. It is the sentiment that it is all about rather than the length of the message. They will understand that your words of sympathy are heartfelt rather than just being brief.Do avoid the use of cliches and stock phrases, they come across as worn out. Do not reference your own losses in your life. This is a personal thing for them, it is not a compare and contrast event.

Here are some examples of Sympathy Messages:

“I can’t imagine what you are feeling, but I want to express my condolences to you. Please let me know of any way I can help you.”

“I am sorry you lost your mother. I know she loved you very much and you will miss her greatly. I will remember her as a woman of great character.”

These ideas for sympathy messages are not set rules. One thing that you can be certain of is that if the emotion is real then it will be appreciated.

This is an area that can be quiet daunting and difficult for people to deal with. If you are interested in further reading or reference material. There is quiet a comprehensive resource at: http://blakeflannery.hubpages.com/hub/Sympathy-Card-Messages—–What-To-Write-In-A-Card