In this digital age sending a general mail expressing your condolences is the most basic thing you would share with someone who is grieving but this is not enough to make them feel better and help towards healing. You need to go the extra mile and create something that is worth showing your support.
Here comes the solution- sharing sympathy cards with the griever. Imagine your cards having a personal touch. This becomes the token of empathy and support during difficult times. Though it may take time to create the perfect message, it is essential that we try our best and write down the words that speak of solace in a way that is healing to the receiver.
A huge number of people make use of sympathy cards to share their condolences with their colleagues if they can’t be present physically. No matter how you show your support, it is essential that you have something to reflect that you care about the receiver.
How to Write the Greatest Condolence Cards
You can be sure that whatever you write will be appreciated, but consider the following suggestions to make sure your condolence message is genuine.
- Use the first-person singular
It feels extremely different to say, “He will be missed,” than to say, “I will really miss him.” Consider what you would write if the person you are writing to were in front of you. This will help you determine if you are on the correct track.
- Express Yourself
Although sympathy words sent in greeting cards are excellent, they are not the most intimate choice. If you purchase a card and enjoy its message. Take into account rephrasing it in your own words. People don’t always read the printed greeting, and even if they do, they are aware that it was likely written by someone in a cubicle in an office park. Your more intimate version will undoubtedly be read and appreciated by them.
- Accept the Death
When you say something like, “We’re so sorry to hear the news,” it could seem like you’re trying to avoid addressing the important issues. That may seem counterintuitive, but saying out loud that someone has died (or passed away, went to Heaven, or was reunited with God—however you like to phrase it) shows that you are comfortable discussing it and are willing to empathise with the family’s suffering.
- Get More Details
In high school, do you recall learning how to employ details from your English teacher? Here, it is also true. You can humanise your message and make it feel more genuine by mentioning the name or function (such as mother or nephew) of the deceased. Unintentionally, using “your loss” in place of the deceased person’s name can convey a sense of detachment or coldness when sending condolence card remarks. This may seem strange.
- Offer a Compliment or Thought
In the event that you did know the deceased, sharing a moment with others in mourning about what they meant to you can bring solace and joy.A little lightheartedness can also be provided through happy memories or life lessons, which can have a healing impact during a very emotional time.
- Add a photograph
Consider attaching a copy of any sentimental photographs you may have with the deceased in the condolence card. It’s a way to express your love and gratitude for them and give the family a brand-new memory. Just make sure the portrayal is upbeat.
- You can always try again
It’s never too late to send a sympathy note, whether it’s been two days, two months, or two years. Whatever the reason for the passage of time, the person is still gone, and their family continues to miss them. We will always value your sincere words
- An easy no-no
Avoid sayings like “things are going to get better” or “things happen for a reason” if you’ve encountered loss in your life. Also, fight the urge to provide suggestions on what might have helped you through your mourning process. Despite your best intentions, people who are grieving a loss frequently find these comments ineffective. It’s important to experience grief fully. There’s no need to make the process go faster or think of creative workarounds. You don’t have to resolve the issue because you’re a friend. It’s more than enough to show them you care by writing them a personal note.
Death is a huge shock for people and it may take a really long time for people to come out of the phase. We all need to be patient and understand the pain people are going through. There is no much you can do except be a helping hand in times of need. At the end of the day, sharing sympathy cards will only help to an extent but that doesn’t mean that you must not share them.