"Hugs" - the most common response to sharing sad or distressing news. I've very recently stopped posting this response as I've learned from experience that while some sincerity is implied, it's often not what is needed.
When a person tells you of a grief or struggle, while a physical hug may provide some instant sorry, a virtual hug, repeated with every passing trouble, feels insincere.
I now feel that when someone tells you they are sick, or a friend or relative is dying, a better response may be, how can I help, what can I do to ease your friend or family member's way.
I, as the aggrieved, don't need a word, I need support, and the person suffering needs the words, the love, the help. Ask me how you can help them, not me.
I will recover, while they may not.
When a person tells you of a grief or struggle, while a physical hug may provide some instant sorry, a virtual hug, repeated with every passing trouble, feels insincere.
I now feel that when someone tells you they are sick, or a friend or relative is dying, a better response may be, how can I help, what can I do to ease your friend or family member's way.
I, as the aggrieved, don't need a word, I need support, and the person suffering needs the words, the love, the help. Ask me how you can help them, not me.
I will recover, while they may not.
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