Letters of condolence should always be handwritten. They must be written with tact and sincerity. Write promptly after the person’s loss.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Show the person that you care and you have been affected by the loss.
- Keep the letter sincere. Write from the heart.
- Use a compassionate and sorrowful tone.
- Include specific details about the person’s admirable traits.
- Don’t try to show that your loss is greater than the person’s loss. It isn’t.
- Don’t rehash the tragedy and the gory details.
- Don’t tell them their loved one is in a better place. They may not share your value system.
- Don’t offer something you can’t deliver.
- Don’t use stock phrases from greeting cards.