Words of Comfort for a Friend: Card & Wording Inspiration

When a friend or loved one is going through a difficult time, it can be hard to find the right words to say. We want to take away their pain, but often, that’s simply not possible. However, we can make them feel loved and cared for by writing a few carefully chosen words in a sympathy card. 

There’s a unique comfort in knowing someone took the time to sit down, think of you, and put their feelings on paper. Whether you’re sending well wishes after a tough job loss, the death of a loved one, or the end of a relationship, words of comfort can help the person feel supported during the hard times. 

Here, we’ve crafted tips to help you write sympathy messages. From offering your unwavering support or lending a listening ear to sharing memories, you’ll discover ways to show a friend you care. Plus, we’ll give ideas for words of comfort for a friend and sympathy card inspiration so you can send sweet sentiments to someone going through a tough time.

5 Tips for Writing Sympathy Messages

When writing a sympathy message to a friend going through a tough experience — like a job loss, the death of a loved one, an illness, or the end of a relationship — people want to make sure they don’t say the wrong thing or cause additional pain. 

To get started, don’t focus on finding the perfect words, and instead think about how you want to make the person feel. The most important thing is that they feel loved, supported, and cared for through your words — even if it’s not the most elegant language. Pen your note with love, and consider these tips to build the structure of your condolence messages for a friend. 

1. Send Words of Encouragement

Design: Signature Greenvelope | Peaceful Poppies Card

A few kind words of encouragement can be a lifeline for a close friend who is struggling. Offer emotional support, and send them words of affirmation. Try saying things like, “You are not alone,” “It’s OK to grieve in your own way,” and “You’re strong and capable of getting through even the toughest times.” These mantras can help them feel stronger, cared for, and supported to face this difficult time. 

Encourage them to take a moment for self-care. To make things easier, you can send the friend a care package. Fill it with some of their favorite soothing products and include a note with an uplifting message. 

2. Offer to Listen

Design: Signature Greenvelope | Hi There Card

During times of sadness, it’s natural to want to cheer up a good friend, but sometimes all they need is to be heard. In your sympathy card, offer to provide a listening ear, without giving any advice, unless prompted. A good listener can allow the person to process things on their own, without feeling the need to be defensive or be at a particular stage in their grief. 

As you listen to your friend, avoid passing judgment. Respect how they choose to navigate their grieving process. Let them feel all of their emotions and emphasize that everyone processes tough times in their own way. Avoid cliches and focus instead on learning the best way to support your friends by listening to them.

3. Lend Support

Design: Signature Greenvelope | Floral Sentiments Card

When someone is going through a tough time, you may not be able to fix things, but you can be present and offer genuine empathy. Whether you choose to send a quick text message or craft a thoughtful condolence message, offer support. Tell a friend that you’re available day or night, anytime they need you. Call them up to provide verbal support, or show up at their house and take them on a mini adventure to cheer them up.

Tailor your support to meet the needs of your friend. If they recently broke up with a significant other and don’t want to be alone, offer to come and spend the night at their house. If your friend is processing the death of a loved one, help with daily tasks to lighten their load.

4. Share Memories

Design: Signature Greenvelope | Gilded Sentiments Card

One way to make a heartfelt message more powerful is to include a personal anecdote. This is particularly effective when writing words of comfort for a friend who’s processing a death. Share one of your favorite memories to show the impact the person had on your life. This can make your friend feel connected. It also honors the individual and can help them feel less alone.

Choose your words thoughtfully and make sure to share a story that’s appropriate. Consider one of your happiest memories or a time when the person made you feel good, and share those sentiments.

5. Show You Care

Design: Signature Greenvelope | Virtual Hug Card

Whether your friend is sad they were laid off from their dream job or is devastated over the death of a family member, showing them you care through your words and actions can make them feel loved. 

For example, offer to run errands for them since they already have so much on their plate. Ask them what they need and follow through — whether it’s delivering meals, handling daily tasks like cleaning, or just stopping by each morning to help them start their day.

During times of sadness, grieving people often receive cards immediately after the event. As time goes on, the words of comfort start to dwindle, but the pain might not. Consider sending a check-in card a few weeks after the event. Your friend will love knowing that you’re still thinking about them as everyone gets back into their usual routines.

Words of Comfort for a Friend: Ideas and Inspiration

Stuck on how to put these ideas on paper? Here, we’ve crafted some sample phrases that can provide solace and remind your friend that they’re not alone.

Consider these comforting and supportive messages to share with a friend during a tough time:

• Thinking of you as you navigate this hard time. Please know that I’m here anytime you need me.
• During this difficult time, we want you to know that we’re sending you all of our love and support. Remember, you’re allowed to process your grief in your own way — and we’ll be here every step of the way in any way you need us.
• Sending my heartfelt sympathy during this tough time.
• It’s never a good time to lose your job, but we know this must mean there’s something more exciting in store for you. Sending you good vibes for navigating this bump in the road.
• You’re my best friend so you already know that I’m only a phone call away, but please know that I’m here to support you in absolutely any way you need. I’m so sorry you are going through this.
• I admire your ability to navigate life’s toughest moments. Please know that we love you and are here for you.
• We are so sorry for your loss. Sending strength your way and when you’re ready, we’re able to help with anything you need.
• When things don’t work out the way you dreamed, it’s usually because the universe has a grander adventure in store for you. You’re strong enough to get through this and come out on the other side with even better opportunities.

Adding a quote can help you create a loving sentiment without worrying about choosing the perfect words. Pair quotes with some of your own wording for a personalized feel. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” — Helen Keller
• “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” — Henry Ford
• “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
• “A depressing and difficult passage has prefaced every page I have turned in life.” — Charlotte Brontë
• “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — A.A. Milne
• “Grief is like the ocean. It comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” — Vicki Harrison
• “In times of such tragedy and sorrow, there are no words or answers. Just love. So much love.” – Suzanne Berry
• “Our hearts are heavy. Our love is strong.” — Jake Gahr
• “There will be a time for figuring out how to move forward. But for now, it’s enough to be still, to process, to gather our strength. To wait for hope.” — Keely Chace

Share Words of Comfort with Greenvelope

With these tips and wording ideas, you’ll be able to craft heartfelt words of comfort for a friend. Whether they are grieving the loss of a loved one or struggling through a difficult time, they’ll feel loved, cared for, and supported.

Browse Greenvelope’s collection of digital invitations and cards to find a suitable design for your well wishes. Choose from formal, understated designs or brightly colored, uplifting cards to share your sentiments. Each design is customizable, allowing you to change the color scheme and typography or add music for a personal touch.

Sending thoughtful sentiments is easier than ever whether you’re writing a card immediately after the event, checking in after a few weeks have passed, or touching base months later. Choose and customize a design, enter your contact information, and hit send in just a few clicks — no hassling with stamps or post office visits.