Words of sympathy

Most of the trite sayings below seem to imply that the mourner should get past it or somehow avoid the pain of loss. This is not realistic or healthy, and certainly not helpful.

• I know how you feel.
• It's just God's plan.
• Just look at all the things you have to be thankful for.
• He's in a better place now.
• God needed another angel.
• She's not suffering anymore.
• He's at peace now.
• It was for the best.
• Life is for the living.
• You've still got your_____(other kids, spouse).
• Don't cry... crying only upsets you.
• All things must pass.
• She led a full life.
• God will never give you more than you can handle.
   

And it's time to move on:

• Get a hold of yourself.
• It's time to get on with your life.
• Pull yourself up by your bootstraps.
• Keep a stiff upper lip.
• You are so strong, you can handle this.
• You must be strong for the kids.
• You'll get over it in time.
• You'll be okay in a year.
• This will soon end.
• You'll be fine.
• Time heals all wounds.
• Put this behind you and get on with your life.
• Isn't it time you got back to normal?
   

And the prize-winners for mean and thoughtless things to say:

• "You're young, you can always have more children".
• "There are more fish in the sea" (lost a spouse).
• "Well, you need to be the man of the house now" (to 12 year old boy).
  
  [Yes, people really do say things like that].
•  
recover-from-grief.com