When a friend, loved one, or acquaintance passes away, you might have difficulty showing your support and sympathy to the deceased's surviving family. Though the thought of a gesture counts in many situations, sending a text to a grieving family as they make funeral arrangements may appear too impersonal. However, a well-written sympathy card can display your support, thoughtfulness, and kindness. Before writing a sympathy card, consider these etiquette tips. 

How to Write a Moving Sympathy Card

1. Choose the Right Card

When selecting a sympathy card, consider who the card is for and your relationship with them. Use that information to choose a card that best speaks to your connection with them. For instance, if you want to give a sympathy card to a good friend who loves the color blue, a lovely card with blue lettering or background colors is acceptable. However, if you have no relationship with the card recipient, choose a simple, tasteful card. 

2. Keep the Message Short

Condolence notes don't need to be long and drawn out. Long notes take considerable mental focus to read. However, a grieving recipient may be too emotionally overwhelmed to handle the task. When writing your message, stick to two or three simple sentences.

3. Avoid Cliches

People sometimes assume that the best way to connect with someone grieving is to attempt empathy. However, there's no one way to grieve. The recipient may view a well-meaning message like "I know how you feel" or cliches like "time heals all wounds" as insensitive. It's best to acknowledge the person's loss without using an overused saying or drawing comparisons to yourself.

4. Know Who to Send the Card

It's not uncommon for people to be familiar with a friend who has passed but not their family. In those cases, it's best to address the card to the deceased person's closest relative, like a spouse or eldest child. In the opposite situation, where you know the grieving person and not the deceased, you can write a card for your friend. 

The compassionate team at DiPonzio Funeral Home in Rochester, NY, understands the stress and challenges of losing a loved one. Since 1931, this funeral home has helped Monroe County residents make funeral arrangements for a lovely, respectful celebration of life ceremony or burial service. Their staff will take time with you and learn about your loved one to ensure the funeral arrangements honor them well. You can also turn to this funeral home for grief support and other resources before, during, and after the service. Call (585) 429-6700 or visit them online for more information.