It can be painful to watch a friend or family member try to handle the death of a loved one. Although you cannot take the person's pain away, you can be there to offer your love and support. Allow the person to grieve in the way that she wants. According to HelpGuide.org, there is no right or wrong way to grieve and no time table on when the person will get over the loss of her loved one.
Step 1
Contact the person to express your condolences. Offer your support, and let the bereaved know that you are there to listen with compassion. Some things to say suggested by the American Cancer Society reprinted on the Help Guide website include, "I'm sorry this has happened to you" and "tell me what I can do."
Step 2
Let the bereaved person control the conversation. He may not want to share details about the death or may not want you to try to give answers about why the death happened. Avoid saying thinks like, "it is all part of God's plan." If the person does not feel like talking, sit with him in silence.
Step 3
Take care of practical concerns. The SIDS Network suggests that you offer to run any errands that the person needs done, such as grocery shopping and taking care of young children.
Step 4
Continue your support. According to the Help Guide, the grieving person may need your support for months and years after the death. Stay in touch, drop by for visits and assure him that you are there for him whenever he needs you.
