Writing condolence letters and sympathy cards

Although expressing your sympathy or condolences in writing is not an easy task, it is important to let the people know that you remember them and that you care. A short condolence letter or a sympathy card will surely leave the mark. After all, whenever people get into trouble — financial, psychological, or whatsoever — they would love to know that they are not alone.

How to write condolence letters and sympathy cards

Begin your sympathy card or a condolence message with a short statement of sympathy, such as “I was deeply sorry to hear of your loss.” In the middle of the message, mention the positive qualities or contributions made by the subject of the letter. Let the reader know what the subject meant to you. In the end of the message, offer your sincere condolences, and give the reader a little lift (e.g. refer to a brighter future).

Although you are not obligated to offer help, make sure you offer help if you feel like. Usually, recepients of condolence letters and sympathy cards are in harsh financial as well as emotional condition, so assistance or a gesture would mean much to them.

Rules for writing sympathy cards and condolences letters

• Write in your own words. Do not turn to poetry or formal sentences; name objects and events as they are (refer to death as such, in lieau of “passing away”). Simply write as if you were talking to the person in private.
• Do not focus on the loss; the details of the loss would only add to the person’s grief.
• Be tactful. Always put yourself in the recepient’s boots, and ask yourself “would that sentence be encouraging?” Most probably, phrases like “starting all over again would be difficult” and “he was too young to die” would worsen the reader’s state. Maintain a balance between superficial and heart-rending sympathy.
• Pay extra attention to correct spelling of names; also, use correct dates and make sure your review of the facts is accurate.

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