What to say to someone who's had a sibling pass away?

Question

A friend of mine had her brother pass away after a long battle with cancer. I've known her for over a month now and is a good friend, but I've never had a friend with a relative pass away, and I'm not sure what to say or how to act around her.

I'm not very emotional and not a crier or hugger or anything like that, so I'm not sure what to do.

Thanks

Answer 1

Losing someone is always a hard thing. Just let your friend know that you will be there for them through this tough time. And that your shoulder is there for crying on, your ear is there to listen, and your heart is there to sympathize. That is pretty much all you can do.

Answer 2

Just be there.  Act normal but let her know that if she needs anything you are there.  Time is the only thing that is going to help.  It doesn't help it really just makes it easier to cope.  The fact that it was a long battle, not seeing him in pain anymore and knowing he is in a better place might help a little.  Just be prepared that it is like a roller coaster ride one day you are ok and the next you might be really really sad.

Answer 3

Really all you can do is be there for them a listen  it hard to  come up with the right words to say sometime  so just be there if they need you  

Answer 4

You tell her you're sorry for her loss and that you are there if she needs someone to talk to. Sometimes, a person grieving only needs someone to listen or a shoulder to cry on. You don't necessarily have to be there to make her feel better. She'll need to heal and that could be a very long time. Just say, "I'm here. If you want someone to listen." She'll appreciate even a small gesture.