The Six Etiquette Rules to Remember When Sending Your Condolences

Here’s what to say, because showing your compassion is invaluable. By Emily Popp April 22, 2021

When a loved one experiences loss, we instinctively want to reach out and comfort them. But expressing sympathy through a letter or a gift can leave you feeling uncertain. Is your sincerity coming across? Did you wait too long, or perhaps not long enough, before reaching out? Even though your compassion is genuine, it can be hard to know what to say and how to say it.

• Focus on the individual
• Be specific
• Avoid platitudes
• Don’t worry about condolences being “too late”