Death.

Death stinks.

For everyone. For the person that lost a loved one, to the person that has no idea what to say to the person that lost a loved one. If you're like me, and struggle to find the right words, then do your best to avoid the wrong ones. Journalist Letty Cottin Pogrebin breaks down what NOT to say in Psychology Today:

To a friend whose parent has died: “Think of it this way; your dad won’t be a burden.” Or, “You were always complaining about your mom anyway.”

To a grieving spouse: “It was worse for my cousin; she was married longer than you were.” Or, “There are other fish in the sea; don’t worry, you’ll meet someone.” Or, “When you’re ready, I have someone to introduce you to.”

To a parent who’s lost a child: “God must have wanted him.” Or, “Thank heavens you have two other kids.” Or, “It’s been a year now; don’t you think it’s time you reached closure?”

She ends with some helpful advice: “Practice active empathy. Do not say to a grieving friend what you would not want to hear if you were in the same tragic place.”