When offering condolences to someone after the death of a loved one, it’s important to remember there really is no right or wrong thing to say and better to make contact than to avoid for fear of saying the wrong thing. That said, it’s important to be mindful of your words and to try to avoid saying things that might unintentionally cause additional pain or discomfort; phrases like ‘I know how you feel’, ‘They are in a better place’, or ‘time is a great healer but instead express your sympathy with compassion and sensitivity, or simply just offer a listening ear.