What Should I Say?

When someone you know loses someone they love, the right words are hard to find. Answer a few quick questions and we will suggest what to say, what to skip, and one concrete way to help.

Who did they lose?

A parent A grandparent A spouse or partner A child A sibling or family member A close friend A pet

How close were they?

Very close Close Complicated or estranged I don't know

How did they die, if you know?

After a long or terminal illness Suddenly or unexpectedly I'm not sure

How do you know the griever?

One of my best friends Close friend or family Coworker Neighbor or acquaintance

How do they grieve, if you know?

The Open HeartExpressive, connected, feels out loud The Steady HandPractical, action-first, holds it together The SeekerReflective, questioning, looks for meaning The Quiet AnchorPrivate, quiet, processes inwardly Not sureWe'll keep it universal

The Grief Personas are four common ways people move through loss. Learn the four personas or share the quiz with them when the time is right.

Based on Restfully’s Grief Personas™ framework. There is no right way to grieve, and no perfect words. Showing up matters more than saying it perfectly.