“I’m sorry for your loss,” isn’t effective. And often impersonalizes the experience of death for the grieving person.

Often this phrase is found to be offensive to those that have lost a loved one. Especially those like myself, that have lost children. The phrase seems to trivialize the experience and can make survivors uncomfortable.

I know that everyone has the best of intentions when offering condolences to people that have lost loved ones.

But offering something more personal is needed not this minimizing quote.

How about:

“I love you”

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

“This was so unfair.”

“You mean everything to me.”

“Can I leave a meal or flowers for you?”

“We all know, no one here gets out alive”-Jim Morrison

“I am here for you!”