10 things not to say to a widow(er)

In her book, Bittersweet, author Shauna Niequist wrote that people often say the wrong thing when something bad happens:

But there’s something worse than the things people say. It’s much worse, I think, when people say nothing.

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

So, what are the wrong things to say? While not an exhaustive list, here’s a start:

1. “I know what you’re going through” (then start talking about your own loss). No two losses can ever be compared because people are so wildly unique, because extenuating circumstances are so diverse. Even if you’ve had a spouse die, you can never know exactly what another widow or widower is experiencing. Instead, say, “I can’t imagine how you must feel,” and then listen long and well as you invite them to respond.

2. “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” Avoid spiritual platitudes. Instead, ask them about the loss: “What was it like?” Widows and widowers need and want to be listened to. This from GriefRecoveryMethod.com: “The most loving thing you can do is listen to them without judgment, comparison, or trying to fix them.”

3. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” While we’re on the topic of platitudes, ‘positive thinking’ clichés don’t help either, i.e., “Be grateful for the years you were married,” or “You’ll feel better in time.” Of course you’re grateful for the years you were married; of course you’ll feel better in time. But right at this moment, you’re not feeling very grateful your beloved died. Right this moment, you can never imagine feeling better. Instead, try this: “I don’t know what to say.” Your honesty allows the widowed to know you are a safe person to talk to.

4. “You look really tired; you need to take care of yourself.” If your friend or family member looks tired, consider offering to care for them in some way: “I can’t imagine how exhausting this must be. Can I come over and clean your house this Saturday?”

5. “It’s been months — shouldn’t you be over this by now?” Avoid telling the bereaved how long they should grieve. George Bonanno at Columbia University whose work has redefined the science of grief research reported that “ten percent of us experience ongoing, relentless grief that requires counseling. Another 30 per cent or so plunge into deep sadness before gradually recovering.” Give the griever plenty of time to process their loss and then recover.

6. “At least you two had a long life together.” In a good marriage, no matter how many years it spanned, it’s never long enough. My husband, Gary, and I were married 41 years, but we still carried hopes and dreams and plans. Try acknowledging the achievement of a long union: “You guys had an amazing marriage, but I would imagine it wasn’t long enough. How’s your heart?”

7. “You’re still young; you’ll find someone else.” Certainly in time another love can enhance a life, but the newly-widowed aren’t necessarily looking for someone to stop the hemorrhage of loss and sorrow.

8. “At least your husband is no longer in pain.” Don’t comment on what you think might be a positive aspect about the passing of a loved one. Because there are no positives as far as the newly-bereaved are concerned.

“Aren’t you relieved you don’t have to take care of her anymore?” No, I’m not relieved; my heart is in shatters.

Or “So sorry, but you expected this, right?” Yes, we expected this, but I still feel wretched, unraveled, demolished. 

9. “You’ll want to clear out your husband’s (wife’s) things as soon as possible.” Avoid giving advice—“You should get a dog … join a grief group … take up yoga”—even if it was beneficial to you as a widow or bereaved parent. Instead of giving advice, simply listen. Listen, and ask questions that invite them to talk. And then listen some more.

10. “Let me know if you need anything. It’s one thing to say, “Let me know if you need help”; it’s quite another to say, “Can I pick your kids up after school and take them for frozen yogurt?” If you live in the same town as your friend, consider texting or calling with a specific offer: “I’d like to bring dinner; what is your family’s favorite pizza?” or “We’re coming by this afternoon to shovel the snow off your driveway and sidewalk.”

::

Shauna Niequist, in her book Bittersweet, writes about losing her job, feeling embarrassed and hurt and tender, and remembering exactly who walked the other direction when they saw her and who walked toward her:

If you don’t know what to say, try this: ‘I heard what happened, and I don’t know what to say.’

Until I experienced my own loss, I tended to shy away from people in grief — not knowing what to say, afraid I’d say the wrong thing — when maybe all they wanted was for me to acknowledge their pain and loss.

So this reminder is for me: Don’t walk the other way; say something.

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22 Comments

  1. You addressed this so well, Marlys.

  2. Marlys, I just read several of your blogs, what not to say, how to prepare with your spouse ahead of time, and hospice. I really enjoyed them! My dad passed away last month and my brother-in-law just passed away from cancer last week. Was relieved that so far, I haven’t said any of the things I shouldn’t to my sister. Really appreciate your help!

    • Oh, Ginni … I’m so sorry to hear of your losses. You had mentioned your sister and her husband with cancer, and I had been praying for them. Thank you for reading, and for your kind comment.

  3. Jennifer Killam

    Really perfect article. Especially for me.
    Thank you!

  4. Karen Bradley

    Beautiful, Marlys!

  5. Duane

    I have experienced a lot of the things in this article. This is helpful to me as I communicate with others facing the same challenges. Thanks for these insights.

    • Duane, before I knew better, I was one of those who shied away from the grieving – not knowing what to say. But, like you, I want to be better at communicating with other people going through loss and sorrow.

  6. Lindy Jacobs

    Lovely advice, Marlys! We always want to find the right words to comfort a friend. This article is so helpful.

  7. Marcia Musial

    I can understand why all of these points are on the list, especially the first; an awful lot of people use you as a vehicle to talk about themselves! That always struck me as a bit selfish and not someone with whom I would want to form a friendship! The truth is, no one can say “I know how you feel”, even another widow, because no two marriages are exactly alike.

  8. Tanya Neelon

    Marlys, I posted10 THINGS NOT TO SAY TO A WIDOW(ER) to my facebook wall to help any friend who may need these tips. Thank you!

  9. Peter Howe B.E.M.

    Dear Marlys,
    It’s when you/we read this number of what appear to be caring words that one realises how insensitive they sound, how ever well meaning they may appear to be. All I can add and hopefully compliment in agreeing with you, is to recall my Police Service when many’s the time I would have to find the right words at that time of grief when dealing with the many horrendous situations. You might be able to imagine, how difficult it might have been to deliver words of comfort on those saddest of situations. I pray that I gained years of experience ‘in service’ which gave me an ability to choose wise words of compassion, at a time when ‘I too was feeling their grief’ when ‘I was getting my hands dirty’ dealing with result of something terrible that had occurred. A true ‘listener’ and a comforting presence is perhaps all that is needed. Thanks again for these shared words. God Bless, Barbara, Peter & family.

    • I can’t imagine that aspect of your job, Peter – to have to tell the family something horrific has happened, and knowing their lives would never be the same again after that conversation. How much courage that must have taken.

  10. Lonnie Johnson

    Very good advice Marlys, I’d say it’s the “‘not knowing what to say” that leads most people to say nothing. A very good guide you’ve given.

  11. Roxanne Olson

    This article gives some great insights and practical suggestions. It is hard to know what to say. I want to bring comfort and encouragement but so many times I feel like I’ve done just the opposite! This is helpful. So thank you!

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