Sympathy sample card.

Further things to consider when writing condolence letters to friends

Condolence Letters

Condolence letters are letters written to express sympathy and consolation especially in the event of death. A condolence letter can provide great comfort to someone who is grieving or mourning the loss of a loved one. Condolence letters let people know that they are in your thoughts and that they can trust you. Also, they give you an opportunity to share a special memory that you may have involving the deceased. The purpose of condolence letters is to support the bereaved and honor the life of the deceased.

The best condolence letters are those that are written from the heart. When writing a condolence letter, you need to try as much as possible to put yourself in the position of the person who is grieving. Keep the letter simple and fairly short. Assure the person of your support and offer a helping hand. Note any special qualities of the deceased including your favorite memory. Mention how you heard the news and avoid dwelling on the cause of death. Explain your relationship with the deceased and what you will miss most about them. Extend your condolences to the rest of family members. Close the letter with a note of affection and support.

Letters to Friends

Letters to friends are letters you write to people with whom you have a bond of mutual affection. These letters are like conversations and can be just about anything. They could be thank-you letters to thank your friends, congratulation letters to congratulate them, apology letters to say sorry, condolence letters to comfort the bereaved, etc. You could also write to your friends to share general information such as school and family news, what has been happening in your town, or just tell funny stories. Letters are special and show the other person that you are thinking about him/her. The recipient can keep the letters for years and read them over and over again.

Letters to friends are personal and are usually addressed to specific individuals. Since the recipient is a person with whom you have a close relationship, the salutation is more personal and less formal. Greet the recipient warmly and proceed to stating the reason for your letter. Share some information about yourself. Maintain a polite and friendly tone. End your letter on a note of anticipation to seeing the recipient soon or reading from him/her. You can also add a postscript for something you forgot to say.