2. “At least they lived a long life.”
No amount of time makes losing someone easier, even though age can play a role in acceptance. It can be painful to assume that their longevity somehow eases the d3ath. As if they should be more “thankful” than devastated, emphasising that grief has no end date could make the bereaved feel bad for experiencing pain.
What to say instead:
“They touched so many lives. I know they meant a lot to you.” Acknowledge the loss without comparing or minimizing it.
3. “I know exactly how you feel.”
Grief is extremely personal and differs from person to person, even if you have experienced a comparable loss. Saying “I know how you feel” can turn the discussion from the person who is mourning to you. If you have a different relationship with loss than they do, it could also come across as haughty or cruel.
