What To Say (Or Not To Say) To A Friend Around A Cremation Service
When you have a friend who has lost a loved one and has had a cremation service for them, there are things you are going to want to say to them to convey your support.
When you hear that a friend of yours has lost a loved one and is grieving, you know they are emotional and could use support from everyone around them who cares deeply. While there’s nothing you can say around the cremation service in Glenview, IL of their loved one that is going to take the pain away, you still want to say something and show your empathy to them. Here are a few things you might want to say, and a few other things you don’t want to say, to help you figure out what’s best.
Avoid Cliches
It’s easy to fall back on things that you have heard other people say, but they can come across wrong. Don’t ask your friend, for example, how they are feeling, because you know they are devastated. You also don’t want to say something like, ‘they’re in a better place now.’ Even if your friend believes in heaven or an afterlife of some kind, they are always going to think the best place for their loved one is here with them. You also don’t want to tell your friend that it was just their loved one’s time. That makes it sound like the death was planned and it can lead to complicated feelings. Just avoid the cliches altogether, if you can.
Say Nothing
If you are able to see your friend in person, you really don’t have to say anything at all. Pull them into a tight hug and give them a shoulder to cry on. That gesture alone can say it all. You are there for them. You know they are going through a hard time. And they know that you know it.
Offer Condolences
Since you know there’s nothing you can say that will make them feel better, what you need to do is convey your support and empathy. You can simply tell your friend that you are sorry for their loss. You can also say that you are thinking of them. You can remind them that you are there to talk or to help with errands or other items, if they need it. That kind of support is priceless when they are going through the loss of a special family member. You don’t have to say a lot in order for it to mean a lot.
As someone standing by a friend who has a loved one who went through a cremation service in Glenview, IL recently, you want to make sure they know you are there to support them through your words and/or your actions. If they have a memorial service, attend if you can. Otherwise, call them, visit them , send a card, a meal, or flowers, and let them know you are there when they need you. The professionals at Chicagoland Cremation Options can offer you other ideas for things to say and do when you are trying to support someone through a big loss.
