DiscoverGrief GrowerE28: Supporting Someone #2: Why "Sorry for Your Loss" Isn't Enough—And What to Say Instead
E28: Supporting Someone #2: Why "Sorry for Your Loss" Isn't Enough—And What to Say Instead

E28: Supporting Someone #2: Why "Sorry for Your Loss" Isn't Enough—And What to Say Instead

Update: 2025-09-18
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Description

"I'm sorry for your loss" is one of the most common phrases people say to grievers after a loss—but does it really help? I explore why it often falls flat and share what grieving people actually want to hear.

You'll discover:

  • Why we default to "I'm sorry for your loss" in the first place

  • How this phrase can unintentionally feel empty or obligatory

  • Real examples of how grievers experience these words

  • What to say instead that brings comfort, connection, and care

Pre-order my new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving:
https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/of-course-im-here-right-now

...

Get FREE grief workshops, quizzes, and so much more on my website:
https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/links

Keep Grief Grower ad-free by becoming a Patreon supporter:
https://www.patreon.com/shelbyforsythia 

Join my online course + community, Life After Loss Academy:
https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/life-after-loss-academy

Listen to more episodes of Grief Grower, view episode transcripts, and submit a question for the show:
https://www.shelbyforsythia.com/grief-grower-podcast

 

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E28: Supporting Someone #2: Why "Sorry for Your Loss" Isn't Enough—And What to Say Instead

E28: Supporting Someone #2: Why "Sorry for Your Loss" Isn't Enough—And What to Say Instead

Shelby Forsythia, Grief Coach and Author