Someone died. Say the right thing.
Three to five sentences that a grieving person can read without feeling managed — written with you in one short conversation.
Who died, and who are you writing to?
What to write when someone dies
The three parts of a condolence message, with two examples that work and four phrases that do not.
Condolence card wording, by relationship
Filling a card for a colleague, a close friend, a neighbour, a client — and when a card is the wrong channel.
What not to say
"At least", "everything happens for a reason", "I know how you feel" — and the sentence to write instead.
If you have to say it in person
Two sentences for the funeral, and the silence that goes after them.
Questions people ask first
Is a text message acceptable?
Yes, if it is short and specific. In many families it is faster than a card and arrives when it matters.
Can it be written in my own language?
Yes — the page and the conversation are translated; you can also write in your language and ask for the English version underneath.