Condolences are an expression of regret, regret, and above all, compassion for someone because of the death of a loved one. They can be in oral or written form. You can express compassion in the form of condolence only because of death. What is often used for this is “sympathy card”.
What is the sympathy card
Sympathy card is a greeting card sent to family and loved ones who have recently died. It should be written in a thoughtful and calm way so as not to offend anyone.
How to write condolences and what should they contain
Let’s look at the basic principles of composing good condolence messages.
- Let condolences be short and well thought-out. Do not write down the first better words that will come to your mind.
- Condolences are best written by hand. You can use a computer, but then your message will not be as personal as it was written by yourself.
- Put the date of condolence and the place where you currently live.
- Do not use colloquial language. Use sophisticated occasional vocabulary. Avoid diminutive.
- Regardless of your relationship with the deceased, always express yourself in a respectful manner. Do not mention in the condolences the misunderstandings that connected you with the deceased. If this person owed you any money, wait until the mourning period ends. After all, you can wait with this type of affairs.
- Respect the religious beliefs of the recipient of condolence. Some people may believe in reincarnation instead of the Kingdom of Heaven. They can also be atheists. Regardless of their personal beliefs, they still deserve respect and compassion.
- Begin your condolences with a salutation, e.g. Dear Sir [insert name of recipient here].
- In the first sentence, state that you have received a message about the death of the person, and then express regret about his departure. The next 2-4 sentences should be devoted to describing the deceased. Do it in simple words. Writing too much can deepen the reader’s sadness. It is worth recalling a tender and pleasant memory of the deceased.
- You can also write about the meaning of the deceased personally for you. In the next sentence, express condolences to your loved ones.
- Finally, add the information that you are ready to help if required. It is customary that financial help should not be offered in condolences.
- Place a salutation under the condolence, e.g. Yours faithfully, and then give a clear signature. Sign with your full name.
Examples of phrases you can use
- Message about … it shocked me deeply, it is difficult to accept such a great loss. Please accept my sincerest sympathy and regret.
- It was with great pain that we received the news of death ……….. We express our condolences to our family and loved ones.
- We are extremely saddened by the information about your sudden loss.
- Our hearts are joining you in this moment of sadness.
- Please accept our sincerest condolences for losing your loved one.
- Words cannot express how saddened we are at your loss.
