Losing a loved one is extremely difficult. It’s hard to know what to do and say when someone you care about loses someone. Compounding the problem is the fact that most people don’t talk openly about death, so you may have no idea what to do or say when someone you care about loses a loved one. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable. Don’t let that stop you from providing comfort to your friend.

If you have a friend who is grieving and you’d like to help, keep reading to learn three things you can do.

Acknowledge Them

Acknowledge your friend’s pain and that he or she is going through a very difficult period of time. Death makes most people uncomfortable and it’s all too easy to put off visiting. However, try to find a way to deal with your discomfort and acknowledge your friend’s grief.

Make that phone call, stop by and say hello, cook a meal, and send funeral flowers brookfield il. If you need help figuring out how to do any of these things, the professionals at Hitzeman Funeral Home can provide it.

Don’t overthink it. Your friend simply wants to know that you care.

Say the Person’s Name

This one seems so simple, yet it’s so hard. To help your friend, say the name of the person who died. It won’t suddenly remind your friend of that person. Your friend is already thinking about him or her. It will provide comfort and give your friend an invitation to talk and grieve.

Listen

Let your friend talk. Make yourself available to listen. Don’t interrupt. Just sit and listen. This is such an easy thing for you to do, but many people underestimate its importance. Don’t worry if your friend doesn’t have much to say. Your presence alone may provide comfort.

Helping a grieving friend is hard for many people. One of the reasons it’s so difficult is that death makes people uncomfortable. If you feel awkward or distressed, know that you’re not alone and that it’s normal to feel that way. However, try to push past your feelings of discomfort and show up for your friend. It won’t go unnoticed.