"my thoughts are with you"

agree with all of you. It comes across as so insensitive and cheap.

But, what do you say? How do you let someone that you care about but aren't directly involved in their pain know that you really sympathise, maybe even empathise with?

I hear you? It sucks? Let me know if you need anything? What can I do to ease your pain?

I came home from a funeral this weekend that was three states away barely knowing the deceased - but he and his wife were extremely close to my parents. I honestly found myself just keeping my mouth shut. It was awkward. The only think I knew how to do was either make the grieving laugh or stay the heck away.

And Jay - I genuinely am sorry to hear of your loss. Genuinely.
(but I hesitate to say that because words fail in these situations.)

(hugs can be good too)
posted by Justin at 6:31 AM

Please Read This: Justin's View on Relationships (Written by a friend)

Justin® song of the week:
Ultimate Cheeseburger
Yao Ming Song

Leisure listening:
KSBJ

Reading Selections:

My Fellow Longhorns:

WeiLi
Johnny
Christine
Oren
Nathan
Sam
Rose
ChuMonster
Alex
Jake
Jonathan

My Beloved Owls:

aida freak
Steph
Allen
JASON!!!!
stones and fire
Jonathan
Sam

My Other Collegiates:

Justin the Other
Albert
FireStones
Keith
CollegeNet
Natasha

My younger High Schoolers:

Jason, the Leader
Cindy
fat can
Ninja Linda
Jesse
AudioFreakJames
Christine
My Sis
Little Brother
Alice


there's probably more, I just got a bit lazy.