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What Should I Avoid Saying to My Grieving Friend?

Name: What Should I Avoid Saying to My Grieving Friend?
Uploaded: 2011-04-03T00:49:57+00:00
Duration: 3 s
Channel: David Kessler
Description: A short YouTube Q&A clip (David Kessler) addressing what not to say to someone who is grieving. Kessler advises against minimizing phrases—e.g., "be…

3 Apr 2011 · 0 min

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A short YouTube Q&A clip (David Kessler) addressing what not to say to someone who is grieving. Kessler advises against minimizing phrases—e.g., "be strong," "look on the bright side," "you'll get over this," or "cheer up"—and recommends simply being present and acknowledging the person’s pain.

What should I avoid saying to my grieving friend?
When a friend is grieving, you want to avoid saying things that minimize the loss or ask them to change their feelings. You don't want to say things like be strong or look on the bright side, or don't worry, you're going to get over this or cheer up. You can do this because in reality it hurts and they're in pain and they need you just to be with them where they are.