Condolence Message to a Friend: Ideas for Sharing Your Sympathy

When someone passes away, you may find yourself at a loss for words. The sadness, devastation, or shock can make it difficult to find the right words to express condolences — especially when you’re trying to think of how to console a friend who has suffered an immense loss.

In this time of sorrow, you don’t have to go it alone. Here, you’ll find tips on how to craft a condolence message to a friend to share your sincere sympathy.

What to Include in a Condolence Message to a Friend 

Losing a loved one can be a devastating experience. The days, weeks, and months that follow are filled with a host of emotions. During this challenging time, it’s comforting for the grieving person to receive phone calls, text messages, and short condolence messages from people who knew the bereaved. 

Whether it’s a family member, close friend, or other loved one who’s going through the grieving process, sending a few words of sympathy can help extend some emotional comfort. But what are the right words to say to a grieving family during this time of loss?

The best approach is to send your sympathies in a thoughtful condolence card in which you can share some of the following:

• Sincere condolences: Say you’re sorry for their loss, pain, and grief. A simple message can go a long way in making someone feel cared about and supported.
• An offer of support: If you’re available, let the recipient know that you’re there for them if they need you. Offer to bring by meals, set time aside to chat, or to just be present and supportive if they want silence.
• A memory of the person who passed: Keep the focus on the grieving family, but feel free to share a sweet memory or special moment that you shared with the deceased. 

Many of us worry about saying the wrong thing in a condolence card. While there are no hard and fast rules about what to say, it’s helpful to avoid saying you know how they feel. While it’s an attempt to be empathetic, such a statement can be off-putting. It’s also a good idea to avoid saying that it was for the best, especially since the family is often in the worst place they can imagine.

Condolence Message Ideas for a Friend

If your friend is experiencing a loss, sending them sincere sympathy messages can help them feel supported during this tough time. For you, choosing the right words can be a bit daunting, but these ideas offer inspiration whether your friend has experienced the loss of a child, spouse, friend, or other loved one.

Here are some sympathy card messages to consider:

• My deepest sympathy for your loss. Please let us know if we can help. We are just a phone call or text away.
• Sending our heartfelt condolences during your time of grief. He/she was a wonderful person and the world has experienced a great loss.
• Sending our deepest condolences for your loss. We hope time brings you peace and you’re surrounded and lifted up by the ones you love most.
• I wanted to share my heartfelt sympathy during this painful time. I know words can’t bring someone back, but I do hope they bring you some comfort during the darker days.
• I wanted to send words of comfort during your time of sorrow. He was a wonderful man and a beautiful soul. The world is less bright without him and I know I’ll cherish my memories of our time spent together. Please reach out if ever you need me — I’m here anytime, day or night.
• Our sincerest condolences for the loss of your beloved spouse. He was an amazing person and we have many loving memories of our time together. May he rest in peace.
• May God bring you peace and comfort during this incredibly difficult time. She was a special person and we have so many wonderful memories that will live on.
• I don’t know the right words to say and I know that no message can take away your pain. But I hope this condolence card brings you some level of comfort knowing that we are all here to support you in whatever way we can.
• Dear friend, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope you find joy in the countless happy memories you had with [Name] and some comfort in knowing that I am here for you anytime.
• [Name] may be gone from our world, but not from our hearts. I’ll continue to think of him/her fondly each day and I’m here for you, whatever you may need.
• I wanted to express my condolences during this sad time. As coworkers, I know we often get wrapped up in the busy day-to-day, but please let me know if you ever need to take a moment. Whether it’s a walk, a coffee, or a quick chat, I’m here for you if you need me. Sending all my love to you and your loved ones.

Quotes to Use in Your Condolence Message to a Friend

When you just can’t find the right words to say, look for quotes where others have found a way to turn grief into comfort. Add a quote to your sympathy message and follow it with a few words of your own to make it personal.

Here are some quotes you can use in your condolence message to a friend:

• “Grief only exists where love lived first.” – Franchesca Cox
• “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell
• “Those we love and lose are always connected by heartstrings into infinity.” – Terri Guillemets
• “Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was.” – Hebrew Proverb
• “Grief is the price we pay for love.” – Queen Elizabeth II
• “There will come a day, I promise you, when the thought of your son, or daughter, or your wife or your husband, brings a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye. It will happen. My prayer for you is that day will come sooner than later.” ― Joe Biden

Condolence Card Designs With Sympathy Messages 

Depending on your level of friendship, you can choose to express your condolences with a phone call, text message, or a condolence card in the mail. Sometimes, a grieving person doesn’t want to talk or meet in person, so it makes more sense to send a digital sympathy card. Below is just a small sampling of condolence cards that you can personalize to share your sympathy.

1. Floral Sentiments Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Let a friend know you care with this floral sympathy card. The beautifully illustrated bouquet is the perfect backdrop for a thoughtful greeting.

2. Hi There Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

This simple and thoughtful card is an ideal way to let someone know you’re thinking about them. Choose from three artist-curated color palettes and update the text so it works for your condolence message to a friend.

3. Virtual Hug Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Send a friend a virtual hug with this gold foil card. Featuring a giant heart, it’s sure to show your friend how much love you’re sending their way. The supported backside offers plenty of space for a personalized condolence message.

4. Peaceful Poppies Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

This sweet and simple card features delicate poppies and bold text so your friend knows you’re there if they need you. Include a short sympathy message and follow up as the weeks go by.

Share Your Sympathy

There’s no easy way to say you’re sorry when a friend loses someone they love. The best you can do is share your sincere sympathy and offer support in any way you can. With these ideas for a condolence message to a friend, you’ll be able to bring some comfort during their time of need. Browse through more condolence card designs to share your message of love and support when it’s needed most.