How To Interact With A Grieving Family At A Funeral Or Memorial Service

It is common not to know what to say or how to act, and as a result many people shy away from engaging with people who are grieving. Especially at a funeral or memorial service, where there may be many people in attendance, it can be easy to feel like you don’t want to crowd or overwhelm the bereaved. It’s important to remember, though, that people who are grieving still needs your love, attention, and support, and that these are all things you can offer.

The most basic thing to keep in mind when interacting with the grieving family at the funeral is that you are there to support the grieving person. In many cases, your presence alone can be sufficient to communicate this. After experiencing a loss many people feel alone and isolated, and by offering a kind or sympathetic word or a caring touch you can remind grieving people that you are are there for them.

For advice on what to say to someone who has experienced a loss, see our article How to Express Sympathy: What to Say and What Not to Say.