When greeting a mourner, most people say something like, “I’m sorry for your loss.” This is like what’s in the middle of a bagel. It’s cliché. They will respond with a smile and a thank you, to make you feel better for your lack of originality. So what should you say?

One way is to make them laugh, or at least make them smile. This will ease their anguish, as you will remind them of the joy in life.

Or say words of strength and praise to understand that their loss is not an affliction against them. It will help them find acceptance, feel better, and have a quicker recovery from their mourning.

Then you will have done a very good deed. It will make both of your spirits smile.