Checklist

The 10 Phrases That Truly Support (and 10 That Can Wound Without Meaning To)

When You Love Is Grieving

The simple guide every friend, family member, and caring heart should have. Learn how to offer real comfort — without making grief feel heavier or more awkward

Inside you’ll find:

10 phrases that offer comfort, presence, and genuine empathy
10 common phrases that unintentionally cause harm (and what to say instead)
How to support someone without needing “the perfect words”
A simple framework for compassionate communication rooted in emotional safety

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Yes, I want the phrases that truly make a difference

For Anyone Who’s Ever Wanted to Say the Right Thing — but Didn’t Know How

Don’t let another moment of silence or awkwardness steal the chance to truly show you care.
This checklist gives you the words that bring comfort, not confusion.

Family Members

Who feel lost for words when someone they love is hurting

Friends

Who care deeply but fear saying the wrong thing

Support Network

Supporting someone through grief, trauma, or suicide bereavement

Caring People

Who want to be present — but struggle with words when the moment is too big

The Problem: Well-Meaning Words That Miss the Moment

You want to help — but worry you’ll say the wrong thing.
Most of us were never taught how to support someone in grief… so we lean on phrases that feel safe but often land painfully.

"You'll be okay - time heals everything"
"I know exactly how you feel"
"Everything happens for a reason"

These aren’t cruel. But they can make grief feel lonelier.

The Solution: Say the Right Thing — with Heart

This free checklist gives you thoughtful, human phrases that bring comfort — not confusion.

Phrases that acknowledge pain without fixing
Words that bring presence over pressure
Gentle language that builds trust, connection, and emotional safety

Hi, I'm Damaris Hernández

I know the ache of loss — not just professionally, but personally.
When I lost my husband to suicide in 2016, words often failed those around me. Their intentions were kind, but what I truly needed was presence, empathy, and space to grieve without pressure.

That experience shaped my mission.
As a Certified Emotion Code Practitioner and author of Voices of Empathy, I help others navigate grief and difficult conversations with compassion and authenticity. I believe emotional healing begins when we feel seen, heard, and supported — without needing to “be strong” or have the right words.

If you’ve ever struggled to know what to say to someone grieving, you’re not alone.
This checklist was created so you don’t have to guess — and so your words can become a gentle bridge instead of a barrier.