Whether it’s the loss of a parent, a child, or a close friend, losing someone near and dear can be incredibly devastating. Grief can be an extremely isolating emotion, and your friend could be feeling overwhelmed and lonely at the moment. It is natural to want to find ways to support your loved one as they go through this painful time in their life, but it can be difficult to find the right words to say or meaningful actions to help them in their time of need. Here are a few comforting ways you can be there for a bereaved friend and help them as they go through their healing process.
- Recognize Their Grief
When a close friend goes through the loss of someone close to them, it is important to acknowledge their loss and recognize their grief. They themselves may not know how they are truly feeling yet, and some people who experience bereavement might hesitate to reach out to friends and family as they don’t want to burden them with their issues. Others simply do not know how to express their feelings. At this stage of their grief, the most important thing is to let them know that you are there for your friend.
- Lend a Sympathetic Ear
Once your friend is ready to talk to you about their feelings, it is important that you lend a sympathetic ear without judgment. It can be hard to find words to say, which is fine, as, in this situation, it is important to listen more and talk less. Your loved one will benefit from having someone they can express their thoughts and vent their feelings to rather than someone who says the wrong thing accidentally and makes them feel worse. When responding to your friend, always try to use compassionate, sympathetic words.
- Give Them a Heartfelt Gift
There is no gift that can relieve the heartache of losing a loved one. However, giving your bereaved friend a thoughtful gift is a great way to show them you care. A spa day or a gift basket filled with luxurious health and wellness products is excellent for friends who need some relaxation in their life, while a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers can help perk up their day. A memorial gift, such as a customized candle or a piece of jewelry, is a heartfelt way to express your love for a friend and to honor their loved one. Laurelbox offers a range of gifts for people who have lost someone close to them. Here are 15 best sympathy gifts that are unique and thoughtful.
- Provide Practical Support
Going through a bereavement can make you forget to tend to your own personal needs. Providing practical support is a fantastic way to look after your friend. Practical tasks can include running errands around the house, cooking meals, and helping with laundry. By helping them with these mundane elements in their life, they can focus on their healing process instead.
