Coping with Grief

1. Offer condolences

Even if you feel awkward or aren't sure what to say, say something. By doing so, you're affirming that the grief your friend is feeling is real.

It's a simple as saying, "My condolences to you in this difficult time." Here are more ways to say it.

2. Send flowers

It's traditional, and sure, maybe a little stereotypical, but there's a reason why everyone sends flowers to honor a departed loved one.

You can send flowers for the funeral, directly to the grieving family to express your sympathies, or send a memorial gift instead of flowers.

3. Attend the funeral

Be sure to attend the funeral or memorial service. This sends a signal to those who grieve that you care enough to sacrifice your time in order to be there for them.

Read more:

• What to wear
• Funeral etiquette
• If you can't make it...

4. Bring a meal

This one is easy to do, and means a lot to the recipient.

Here's our guide on making and delivering sympathy meals to your grieving friend.

5. Send a sympathy gift

Bring a small gift if you're able to visit, but if you can't be there in person, send something.

This could be anything from food and practical items to something creatively personalized as a memorial keepsake.

Whatever you give, put some thought into it to make it sweet and meaningful. Here are 29 of our favorite sympathy gifts.

6. Offer to help

The trick here is to be specific. Do not say, "Let me know if you need anything," because, of course, they won't.

Instead, say, "I'll be in your part of town Monday, can I watch the kids or run an errand for you?" or "My husband has a riding lawn mower and wanted to know if you'd like the lawn mowed, since we know Gary always did that."

Here are 83 very specific ways to offer help and provide comfort for your grieving loved one.

7. Acknowledge their loss

Remember that your friend will still mourn long after the funeral is over.

Everyone else goes back to life as usual, but your grieving friend has had their world turned upside down, and will never be the same.

So continue to acknowledge their loss. Don't be afraid to talk about the departed person, and know that it's ok to say the person's name. When you don't, your grieving friend can feel as if everyone is "ghosting" the loved one, pretending they never existed.

Instead, check up on your friend. Ask how they're doing, share a memory of their loved one with them, let them know you miss him or her, too. This will mean a lot.

8. Pray for them

This one isn't very popular to recommend anymore, but your grieving friend will understand and appreciate the authenticity of your faith expressed in prayers on their behalf.

Here are 50 comforting sympathy prayers you can pray with and for them.

9. Be patient and understanding with them

Everyone grieves differently. They'll have good and bad days; times where they want company and other times they need to be alone.

Go with the flow, and don't get easily offended. Be understanding of where they are in the grieving process.

At the same time, do what you can to encourage them to grieve in healthy ways, grow, and avoid being complacent. Here are 22 tips to help you care for someone who is grieving.

10. Just be present

Truly be there for the grieving person. Be ready by phone or text to offer support, and also be ready to drop what you're doing and head over at a moment's notice.

Show up with a coffee or some fresh baked goods, hang around and be present. Listen to them if they want to talk, and don't try to fix anything. Let them grieve.

If they need to take a nap, sit on the couch and read a book or bring your laptop and get some work done. If they have kids, babysit or take them somewhere (and remember that kids grieve, too).

Don't be pushy and remember to give space as they need it. But your presence can be a genuine comfort during this difficult time.