Preparing To Hear Inappropriate Or Awkward Condolences
While most people mean well, not everyone knows how to express condolences well. Be prepared for people to say things that may feel awkward, insensitive, or self-absorbed. While you may have the impulse to respond harshly to people who say inappropriate things to you, try to remember that everyone is struggling with the loss. It may be best to simply thank those people for attending the service and walk away.
You may also find many people offering the same words of sympathy. It’s helpful to remember that many people have trouble finding the words to express how they feel. Just because someone expresses a cliché doesn’t mean they don’t care deeply.