What (not) to write in a sympathy card: 14 short & meaningful ideas

[@angelahannant3867]

Your comments are subjective. Each of us will find comfort from different words. The most important thing is that someone has taken the time to reach out to someone who is grieving.

[@danicatheartist]

Absolutely right! Every person and loss is different, as well as your relationship with them. Simple thoughtfulness means the word to a griever.

[@SuperManning11]

This was so helpful, and really important for people to see the kinds of options you’ve given for things to say. I always try to be specific when offering help, but you never really know what exactly the grieving person might need. Giving a list of options is a wonderful idea, for both sender and receiver-this would be great for when someone is very sick as well. Thank you for this very, very useful bit of info for something we all need on occasion. Liked and subscribed!

[@danicatheartist]

I'm so glad it was helpful!! Yes the list of options is so great for anyone low on bandwidth. I've used this with my new mom friends who are so exhausted that they don't even know what they need. You're totally right to apply it to someone who's sick too. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@ladyradiana]

I have received many sympathy cards in my lifetime and never have I ever thought that any of them were inappropriate, the fact that someone took the time to choose a card and send it was very comforting. Your idea of a card for someone who has had a stillborn baby was very unfeeling.

[@danicatheartist]

I agree! I've been working on that one. That's a loss I haven't personally been through so I'm still trying to find the words. Any suggestions?

[@12lesflo]

Loved the two condolence sentiments and also one of the ideas : grieving with You. Wish there was an Easy button. Showing the memories you had of their loved ones.

[@leslieinadress]

I think this video could have been made in a less condescending way. Some of the sentiments are really great but others seem cold. Also. Especially your opening portion about what not to say. Just because something is “generic” doesn’t make it meaningless.

[@danicatheartist]

Fair enough! Every loss and every person is different, so it only makes sense that every card needs to be tailored to THEM, as well as the relationship you have with that person.

[@LoriMorrisPaintings]

Very helpful thoughts, you’ve put into words a lot of what I believe to be true about letting people grieve. (And even giving them permission to.)It feels right to be person that won’t shut down their grief.

[@danicatheartist]

That’s right! And I’m glad it was helpful!

[@julieveitia2979]

Deep! Thank you for sharing.

[@danicatheartist]

Thanks for listening. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@debrabartz3188]

Thank you

[@danicatheartist]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@mpbailey18]

Two comments: when my husband died, I hated all cards that mentioned "memories" as right then, all I could remember was the horrible year of doctors/surgeries/chemo, etc. Those good memories didn't resurface for quite a while. As a card maker, I deleted all verses having to do with memories. One has to deal with the initial grief and incredible loss...first. Secondly, the card that had the best verse ever (for me) was simply, "Wishing you peace". I can't tell you how much that resonated with me...as that's what I wanted. We are all so different in how we experience and process grief. I personally do not like those "I'm here for you" notes. Don't say it; DO IT. A grieving person is not likely to call anyone for help! My neighbor would call me & say she was going to the store & could she pick up anything for me... Incredibly helpful at that time. It's the little things that can be so meaningful..

[@danicatheartist]

I so appreciate your perspective and hope that your comments help also someone who's considering what to write in a sympathy card right now too! I'm glad you're able to express this after what you went through. Wishing you peace again TODAY

[@paulaparkison9667]

Found this on a day I needed it most! Thanks!

[@danicatheartist]

Im so very glad!!

[@marydonald3453]

Very helpful and sensitive.

[@danicatheartist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janeyprescott8418]

I think you are amazing!

[@danicatheartist]

Aw thanks!

[@jolewis8105]

I think that even if someone says something that isn’t really helpful, ‘band aids’ as you call them…it’s still kind that they actually said something as opposed to ignoring the loss. ‘Band Aids’ are better than not acknowledging someone’s loss. Anyway, very thoughtful and sensitive ideas, thanks.

[@danicatheartist]

Im so glad it was thought provoking for you! Yes, good intentions mean a lot even if they’re blundering through it. I think bandaids are often said in a dismissive or quick fix way, versus actually taking the time to acknowledge the loss. The same words can be said in different ways.

[@cosminaanca3916]

So true!!

[@danicatheartist]

Right?! Thanks for watching!

[@mariachristakos]

This was beautiful ❤ thank you

[@danicatheartist]

You're welcome 😊

[@jacquelinesown6675]

You are so right

[@danicatheartist]

Thanks so much!

[@moirahansen1955]

Just discovered this. So helpful. Thank you.

[@danicatheartist]

Wonderful I’m so glad it helped!

[@joycemcleod8249]

Very help,ful

[@danicatheartist]

Glad it helped!

[@jenpalubicki3179]

Awesome 💜💜💜💜💜

[@danicatheartist]

Thanks I hope it was helpful!

[@theire483]

I don't like buying cards for any occasion, I prefer to just make my own. I can never find the card I want. Having said that, sometimes when I make my own, words are at timrs hard to come by.

[@danicatheartist]

You're not alone! There are no words that can "fix" and I think we put so much pressure on ourselves to "get it right."

[@got2muchstuff]

So good! You are so on track!

[@danicatheartist]

I appreciate that! 😅

[@auntiez7042]

You are absolutely right about all these! Thank you and I definitely think all your cards have the best words for someone like me who can't think clearly since losing a parent.

[@danicatheartist]

Thanks so much! I’ve thought a lot about this topic :)

[@corinnelane8597]

Perfect. Thank you. ❤

[@danicatheartist]

So glad!

[@jukes243]

I never know what to say so I simply make a handmade card then write "I'm so sorry" on the inside and sign it.

[@danicatheartist]

That's such a great first step! Thinking of someone in their loss means the world to them. Hopefully my video gave you some new ideas.

[@elizabethwagner2190]

My best friend since my late 20's just died. I've been trying for 6 days to figure out what to put inside the card to her husband(I've known them both since I was a teen). They moved away for her to deal with her cancer a couple years ago. What do I say in the card to him? I am frozen. I am 60 now she was 75.

[@danicatheartist]

Even a few years later it means so much when you remember a death anniversary. I’d suggest reaching out to to him on that day and checking in how he’s feeling, as well as sharing some happy memories of her with him 💕. Hope that helps!

[@shayxtreme]

What about a flower arrangement card for a funeral

[@danicatheartist]

Any show of care during that time is valuable, for sure. This video talks about the things that meant the MOST to me when I went through it.

[@paulineburns8446]

Acknowledge the persons pain…..I write something like I am here for you 24/7….that’s it…I don’t know what a person is going through🤔

[@danicatheartist]

Totally! A caring presence is the most important.

[@anarchocommunist675]

Happy condolences!

[@danicatheartist]

haha right?!