Good to see you!
We’ve all experience those awkward moments when we want to greet someone who is going through a difficult time and we’re not sure what to say. Advice columnist Carolyn Hax shared some anonymous advice from one of her readers on this subject in a recent issue of The Arizona Republic. “A man in our office was dying. The last months he came in only occasionally and I would hear greetings called out as he walked down the hall, ‘how are you feeling?’ The answer would be vague and generic. So when he got to my end of the hall, I just said, ‘Good to see you.’ A true statement, a welcome greeting, and he wasn’t put on the spot to reply.” The column went on to say, “This phrase is now on my go-to list of greetings. It can ease encounters with wayward teens or awkward friendships, and affirms the re-connections in intimate relationships.” This phrase is now on Ross Reck’s list of go-to greetings as well.
Great advise. Thanks.
Regarding what to say; in the event of the death of a anyone but an immediate family member, all that is needed is, ” I’m sorry for you loss,” or “I was sorry to hear of your loss.” Additional sympathy and/or empathy, no matter how you feel, begins a conversation, which is not what you want to do at this moment. You can be a little more specific, as in, ” I was sorry to hear about ____ .” (your wife, your father, your friend, your partner, etc. and you can use names.”
The lamest thing, and the most heard by the grieving is, “Let me know if there is anything I can do.” Never say, “i know how you feel,” even if you do…