What are Some Ways to Give Condolences?
There are a number of ways to give condolences to someone who has experienced the death of a loved one, depending on the nature of your relationship to the mourner and your geographical proximity to him or her. Condolences of any form are usually greatly appreciated by the mourner and his or her family. The traditional way to give condolences in many cultures is to send a card or letter with a few condolence phrases, expressing your dismay upon learning of the death of the deceased, and your hope that family members are doing as well as they can be, under the circumstances. It is traditional to address a condolence letter to the head of a household, although you may also send individual condolences to people in the family whom you know closely. As a general rule, a blank card should be used to give condolences, rather than a pre-printed card, and the theme of the card should be somber.
