A heartfelt "I am sorry for your loss" and offering support remains about the most meaningful gesture to those grieving over the loss of a loved one. Grief is a unique, personal experience. It is not something to fix, but a journey to accept. This is why attempting to go further to "make things better" usually will miss the empathy mark. Statements that are less empathetic tend to help others feel better, not the bereaved person. They include the following: "I know how you feel," "Don't cry," "God never give us more than we can handle," "At least she (he) is in a better place," "You're attractive, you can always remarry," "Everything happens for a reason," "At least he (she) lived a long life," "Try to find closure," and "Don't worry-it gets easier after a year." It's important to show your support to someone who is grieving a loss, but be mindful of how you express it in words.