Consoling a friend who is grieving

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Now that you know a little more about texting a grieving friend, you may want to go to the next level and send a token of your love and support. Here are some comforting memorial and sympathy gifts you can have shipped directly to your friend. Please note that these include affiliate links, where we may make a commission at no cost to you if you purchase a gift on our recommendation.

This "Raise a glass in memory of" bottle opener is made in-house here in Oregon, handcrafted from real wood and custom engraved to order.

It's a super-affordable gift, much less expensive than flowers, and lasts way longer. This Cedar Wood Bird Feeder Sympathy Gift is a great idea for when you're not sure what to send to your grieving friend.

It goes outdoors, so it won't clutter up the house. It's personalized with the loved one's name and optional dates, and it has a charming, life-affirming feel. Shown with the "Bird on a Branch" artwork, you can also choose from many more themes, including Golf, Military, Celtic Cross, and so on. This simple and affordable sympathy gift box includes a candle with decorative matches , a succulent, and a card. The sympathy card includes personalization with your own text or other message.

Gorgeous wooden plaque handcrafted in the USA and personalized to order. Includes the decedent's name and dates. Available here. These candles make a nice gift because they actually don't yell out "sympathy - death - memorial - your loved one is gone.

Instead, give the gift of a premium candle set. Made from high-quality soy blended wax hand-poured in the USA, these are available individually or in sets of three. Here at Urns Northwest, our specialty is not only memorial and sympathy gifts but also the very finest cremation urns. Start by looking at our 12 Most Popular Memorial Urns , then browse our full and extensive collection here. Just do it. Tip 2 - If you don't know what to say, say so You don't have to know the perfect thing to say.

Tip 3 - Avoid cliches You know the ones I mean. Just steer clear of the syrupy, false-comfort ones. Tip 4 - Volunteer your help Offer to be there for your friend in specific ways. What do you usually get there? I have no words But I want you to know I love you and am here for you. Oh friend! I just heard about [name], I'm so sorry! I heard about [name] and want you to know I am thinking of you in this difficult time.

Dear friend! I'm coming over as soon as I get off work. I love you and will help with anything you need! I just heard about [name], I'm so sorry for your loss! I can't be there in person right now, but I am here for you in whatever way I can help. You can keep the message short and sweet or draft a longer, more heartfelt message. Offering your written condolences is a wonderful way to express your sympathy. You can include a poem or quote if you aren't sure what to say.

Keep your message specific and genuine. Grief can send people into a state of shock and it may be hard for them to complete everyday tasks. Cooking meals for your loved one or friend can be very helpful. You can also help organize a community meal train where people drop food off in a cooler outside the home. Keep your friend or loved one nourished during the immediate period after grief. Grief can be intense and you may become intimidated by it.

If you are unsure how to be with your loved one, it's okay to say so. Let your loved one know that you aren't sure what to say or how to be there for him or her. Your loved one will appreciate your honesty. People who are grieving often feel ignored and isolated from their friends. Make an effort to show up even when it feels uncomfortable. Grief can be a heavy process and it's important to introduce laughter into the mix. Watch something funny or attend a comedy show together.

Laughter has the power to heal hearts and it can help balance grief. Don't be afraid to bring up the person who died. Let your loved one know that you are also thinking of the deceased and keeping those memories alive. By talking about the person, you help remove the stigma and fear of bringing up the deceased. It can bring your friend or loved one comfort and hope to know that someone has survived grief. You are living proof that life can be good again. Be sure to ask your loved one if it's okay to share your story before you assume that he or she wants to hear it.

Consider reaching out to console your loved one after the three-week mark. This is the time when your friend or loved one needs support the most. Grief and self-care rarely go hand in hand. Put together a basket of things so your loved one can pamper herself.