What to Say and What NOT to Say When Someone is Grieving

Someone you care about has suffered a loss. You want to support them. Instinctively, you want to offer comfort but don’t know what to say. Then, in a moment of emotional awkwardness and with the best of intentions, you say something like:

“He’s in a better place.”

“There is a reason for everything.”

“Aren’t you over him yet? He's been dead for a while now?”

“You can still have another child?”

“She was such a good person that God wanted her to be with him.”

“I know how you feel.”

“Be strong.”

You meant no harm; however, what you just said was neither helpful nor supportive!

So, what do you say, and what do you NOT say to someone grieving?

When you attend this webinar, you’ll learn:

• 64 of the Worst Things You Can Say and How to Avoid Them.

• 64 of the Best Things You Can Say and the Best Ways to Say Them.

• Why Grief is a Journey, NOT a Destination.

• How to “Companion” the Griever on Their Journey Through the Wilderness of Grief.

• Six Common Grief Emotions and How They Impact a Griever’s Daily Life.

• How to Deal with the Physical Symptoms of Grief.

• 6 Grief Myths and How They Can Prevent the Griever from Moving Forward.

This webinar is based on two books.

""What to Say When You Don't Know What to Say - Loving a Friend Through Grief,"" by Mark J. Lucero and ""Sympathy and Condolences: What to Say and Write to Convey Your Support After a Loss,"" by Alan Wolfelt, PH.D.

Time

• 10:30 am to Noon CT

DETAILS

WHEN:

Wednesday, November 18, 2026
10:30 AM-12:00 PM CT
Viewing in Central TimeAdjust

WHERE:

HOST:

AARP Events

txaarp@aarp.org

REGISTER:

Register By
November 18, 2026 10:30 AM CT

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