how to respond to sorry to hear that

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. In English, we talk about palliative care. This is the care that doctors give to patients and family members to improve quality of life and showing empathy when discussing painful, difficult topics. No pressure at all, but if you ever need anything, Im here. If you need me at all, you know where to find me. I am shocked because they are a great example for me and our friends. Most of the time, they just want to be seen and understoodnot fixed. The key is to respond promptly and show nothing but . This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You must log in or register to reply here. natkretep and Rover_KE. Well done. With this lesson, youll learn exactly how to respond to bad news in English. Accept, What to Say if the Family Member is in the Hospital and Seriously Ill, What to Say to a Close Friend or Partner with a Sick Family Member, What to Say to an Acquaintance or Coworker with a Sick Relative. The american habit how to realize a specific help to a fammily in deepRead more . I hope everything is okay in the end. Your friend has to cancel dinner. There must be something we can do to help fix this. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. If someone says they are sorry for your loss you don't really have to, Yes, depending on the situation and the culture it is ok to say "That's ok.". Subject: Thinking of you and yours. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I would respond as "I hope your family emergency gets resolved quickly". Im very sorry that must be awful/frustrating/scary/difficult. Hopefully, these email phrases can help. 3. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You can feel free to say no, but my offer stands. Your colleague lost her job. I agree with you, Maria. Im not sure how were going to be able to get through this. Review my two questions and share your responses to these questions in the comments section below. Follow further instructions. There's no pressure to act or feel a certain way about this. It shows that you accept the apology by "forgiving" the actions or choices of the person that said sorry. Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. You dont have to say that takes away the need to say sorry entirely. My heart goes out to you and your whole family. Offer to contact the delivery provider and pass on more detail about how the delivery process works. What do you need me to bring you? Not every apology is genuine, and how you choose to respond to it is entirely up to you. I really dont know what to say, I cant believe it. I hope things are getting slightly better for you. This lesson was very helpful and filled another gap in my English. It turns the apology around, asking the person whether they think a simple sorry is going to make up for whatever problem or mistake they made. Ken Breniman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Yoga Therapist and Thanatologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. ", "You're strong and capable. I cant imagine what you must be feeling. her replies are monosyllabic too (for obvious reasons). Its up to you to decide which works for your context.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'grammarhow_com-box-3','ezslot_7',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-grammarhow_com-box-3-0'); No worries is great informally. If you cant think of anything off the top of your head, Ill do my best to guess. 1. Im sorry to hear about the illness in your family. Thanks for the apology and don't worry about it.". 52. If youre looking for phrases, tips and tricks and useful downloads related to this topic, start here. Here are three email apology samples that illustrate how to say sorry at work in several everyday situations you may experience. I am so sorry, and I hope she has a fast recovery. To people you don't know well, supervisors and elders: 4. "I can't imagine how you must feel.". Now, please give me a moment alone with my thoughts. Not sure what to say? This is what I usually reply to emails like that, Sorry to hear that, I hope you feel better soon. I can run by the house. Actions speak volumes, and sometimes what a person does can affect you in such a negative way that it causes you to feel extremely bad. Dr. Cohen recommends responding with: "'Whoa, no, you don't hate me. Im glad you found this lesson useful to you! ", "Take your time. "I want to help you with anything that makes you happier and fulfill everything that you need. I can stay at the hospital while you run home to shower and get some sleep. what I usually do is give them a strong hug and empathic words that can help them at that moment, it may not be of much help but it is good to know that your intention is to help and more if they are people who want. 100% yes! ", "Please don't hesitate to ask if you need anything. I'd probably say "I hope your family is OK now" or "I hope the emergency has been resolved." - Andreas Blass. Feel free to make the following suggestions your own. Hi, a friends parent is ill. while i do check on her (on SMS) about her well being and how her father is doing, i do not have the courage to call her up and have a conversation. Score: 4.5/5 (61 votes) "I'm sorry to hear that you can't make it again tonight.I was really looking forward to seeing you and I'm feeling [talk about how you feel]. Im running to the store. 27 ways to respond to feedback. I'd love your thoughts and questions! 5. And in English there really isn't an appropriately polite, relatively meaningless reply (like "Fine, how'r you," when someone says How are you?"). Im so happy to watch your videos and to read the material on speak confidently in English. ", "How are you today? Open up your heart and listen to their pain. He has a MSW from Washington University in St. Louis and an MA Certification in Thanatology from Marian University of Fond du Lac. Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist. They may also seem as though nothing is wrong. I wish there was something I could do to help you. Im disappointed that you thought that was a good idea. 1. Just dont do it again, okay is a great way to accept an apology. Thank you so much again. I will be thinking of you as will the rest of the family. When a friend or loved one needs me, what I usually do is give them a strong hug and empathic words that can help them at that moment, it may not be of much help but it is good to know that your intention is to help and more if they are people who want. Im so sorry. Use this lesson to learn how to do that in English.. We usually say this with a little bit of a sad tone in our voice. ", "There's no concrete timeline for this kind of thing. What would you want or need to hear? We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal Its best if you just leave. As you should be. I agree with you, Maria. You can get through this, and I'll be with you the whole time. Try to imagine yourself in their shoes. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 68,259 times. Managing High Performers: The Miles Davis Way, phrases, tips and tricks and useful downloads related to this topic, start here, 10 easy steps to kick-start your learning. Thinking of you in your time of loss. Thanks for pointing out what we can do better in the future; we really appreciate your . PREsent vs. "Sorry to hear that" is vague and breezy and means very little. Would you mind if I visited some time? "It doesn't always work out to hang out with friends, and I understand that. "Thank you so much for your concern, but I need to focus on something else today.". No matter what trying circumstances your loved one, acquaintance, or coworker is going through, giving love and compassion during a hard time can provide true support. 1. I wish there was something I could do. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. I had no idea you were struggling so much. You are using an out of date browser. I'll keep your family in my prayers. Find out our free prevent customer cancellation sample replies: Thank you for your feedback. ", "I'm praying that your grandma fully recovers. That wasnt okay usually refers to a specific action someone did. That wasnt okay. If you ever want to chat, Im here to listen. We believe reflecting on our mortality can help us lead more meaningful lives. First of all, you're making them feel bad about being really happy, which isn't fair. These can be made customisable to different situations. Thanks for the lovely comment! Take your time and do what you have to do. Everyone wants to feel acknowledged and heard. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. What are friends for, right? Thats awful is a sympathetic phrase showing that you dont know what else to say. Just say the word, and Ill be there. I heard you have a family member in the hospital. It lets the person suffering know that you feel bad for them, and it encourages them to open up to you if they feel comfortable doing so. These phrases can be used in the more serious situations listed in numbers 2 and 3 above. Im not sure if theres anything I can say thatll make you feel better. You should only say this when you have the means to make someone pay for doing what they did wrong. No. This article has been viewed 68,259 times. I love you. The preferred ways to respond to sorry are no worries, its okay, and apology accepted. These work when you accept the apology, and they start from the least formal (no worries) and get to the most formal (apology accepted). ", "Do you need to vent? Just dont do it again, okay? Heres what you should say to him or her. Im so close to my mom, so the fact that youve lost yours is unimaginable. In the first place, it's very important to mention their name. The examples below are of written apologies, which we love because an email or letter gives you more time to consider and modify your response, but the same concepts apply on the phone or in person. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. You have my/our deepest sympathy. Subject: Sending my love and support to you and yours. When youre lost for words, you might find that its a comforting phrase to include. I feel so sorry for you. I wish you strength in this difficult time. i am afraid ill hear a bad news at any moment. I know where you live, and Ill make sure you pay. This will keep the conversation moving and your followers engaged. These simple acts of kindness go long way. Instagram. Once you briefly discuss the delay and say sorry, continue with the content of your message. Now you can focus on leaving a legacy instead of a mess. Im happy to move on from this. Let me know if I can help at all. ", "How have you been feeling? I know you dont like to ask, but I wont stop bugging you until you let me do something. LinkedIn. 4. Difference Explained (+14 Examples), I Can Only Imagine Meaning Explained (4 Better Alternatives), 7 Other Ways to Say Sorry to Bother You in an Email, 9 Other Ways to Say Im Good At on a Resume, 10 Polite Ways to Say No Visitors after Surgery, 11 Best Ways to Say Im Here for You to a Loved One, 10 Professional Ways to Say I Am Not Feeling Well. I was not expecting to hear that today. All friends were shocked, I was shocked as well but life goes on. Please accept our deepest sympathies. ", "May God watch over your family, especially your brother. If you ever need help with tasks, let me know. 1. Sentences for Step 1. James 1:19 tells us, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become . How do you usually help friends or loved ones in time of need? I am really sorry to hear that and apologize for the fact that you couldn't get your request fulfilled earlier. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I probably would have done the same! No. Just checking in and wanted to say I love you. are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. Our expert guidance can make your life a little easier during this time. I'm sorry. Answer (1 of 39): Whatever your response, best not to belabor it. A simple, sincere Im so sorry for your loss, a soft hand on a shoulder or a caring hug are usually perfect. Because of this, its good to remember and practice two or three so you are ready to respond if you hear bad news face to face. "I forgive you" is a simple one. ". Don't offer any advice unless the other person has specifically asked you for it. It works best when youve heard bad news from someone and want to share your condolences with them. If you ever need a listening ear or want to grab a coffee, I'm around. I forgive you is a simple one. Some people do not even care to say anything to you when something bad happens to you. I really dont mind. It must have been something that hurt badly. "Don't worry, we'll be able to enjoy other parties together.". He specializes in eclectic non-denominational yoga guidance, grief therapy, complex trauma recovery and mindful mortal skills development. Sorry in this phrase relates to regret rather than an apology. Thinking of you in your time of loss. I dont care is another good way to dismiss an apology. Im sorry to hear you arent feeling well. Im here for you. After all, this person might be dealing with the aftermath of the emergency for quite some time. I dont care what you have to say. Is there anything I can do? is a great alternative that approaches things differently. How is everything going? I know what dealing with a family illness is like. You can count on me for everything. I forgive you. Choose wisely! Ill make sure you pay for this! 11 ways to say "I'm sorry to hear that". If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Its a great choice if you want to offer your help to someone in their time of need. 5. I'm so sorry for your loss. Dealing with a family member in the hospital can be one of the most stressful things to encounter. "What you did really hurt me, but it means a lot that you said sorry. It's common to say "Oh no" and then another one of the phrases: "My sister just got the results of the tests - she has cancer.". The right way torespond to bad news in English. Are you OK? Thank you for taking the time to give us your valuable feedback. Knowing how to respond to sorry all depends on the relationship you share and the circumstances surrounding the apology. People often try to avoid the words 'death' or 'die', and a very common way of doing that is to speak about someone's loss or sad news: I was so sorry to hear about your loss/the sad news about your sister. Its not only useful but fruitful and very practical as well as valuable in day today life How can we help you? PreSENT. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. How is everything going, if you dont mind me asking? Cake values integrity and transparency. As humans, its natural that we want to show that we care, that were sorry to hear the bad news. If you are talking about losing people, then the best way to reply would be: Thank you for your support or . Im so sorry! I can see that you're hurting too. 3. If you need me to pick things up and bring them to the hospital for you while youre visiting, I can. Its a good one to show that youre trying your best to figure out the best way to give them help in tough times. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. generalized educational content about wills. It shows that theyre overthinking the situation and that you accept their apology with no problems. Being blunt is a tried and tested way to reject someones use of sorry. Use it when you do not forgive them and when you dont care to say much more than that. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. Phrases for Step 1. hearts go out to you because of the destruction. In my opinion, I think their relationship was great just for us but not for them. Pause to regroup. "Thanks, I appreciate that" is a good all-purpose reply; if you wish to specify that you accept the apology, say "Thanks, I appreciate that, apology accepted." Then casually change the subject to indicate that the matter is closed.. Its a great way to refuse an apology without being direct about your intention. Well also let you know why each response is appropriate for each situation. "You know, usually I am okay to talk about things like this, but today I just can't handle it. Im glad you understand you were wrong, though. 1. subject to our Terms of Use. Some situations are very difficult or painful. There are other ways to say "Sorry for your loss" that convey the same meaning, but none are quite as profound. Report the review or recommendation. Im thrilled to know my lessons are useful to you in your daily life and for the children you work with. I just wanted to say my thoughts are with you and your family. It lets someone know that youre struggling to find the right words to make them feel better, so you sympathize with the gravity of their situation. This expresses just a little bit of sadness that the other person can't attend the event or party. ", "I love you, and I'm here for you no matter what happens. Don't overthink it. let you know how sorry we are about your. How are you feeling? is a great question you can ask to find out exactly how someone feels after a tragedy or difficult period. Your family is so strong, you will get through this. I dont care if youre sorry. what I usually do is give them a strong hug and empathic words that can help them at that moment, it may not be of much help but it is good to know that your intention is to help and more if they are people who want. 100% yes! Even if you really feel bad for them, telling them may only make them feel worse. Im really sorry. No worries! Feel free to make the following suggestions your own. I'm so sorry to hear that.". You need to give me some time to think. If they brush off your well wishes, do not take it personally. There are some platitudes that just may not feel appropriate to share and with such a delicate situation, it may be best to err on the conservative side. Thanks a lot!! My heart goes out to all of you. I was out of the office on a business trip for the past week. So don't go, 'ohhhh I'm sorry.'. The more you worry about if youre doing enough, the harder it may be for you to do anything at all. Useful post! You still haven't found what you're looking for? We are really disappointed to hear that and . I have no idea what youre going through is a compassionate phrase used to show that you cant begin to imagine how someone is feeling. If they have been with the company for a long time, it can be appropriate and appreciated to have everyone write in a card wishing them all the best for their future endeavours. Usually, this works to encourage them to think about something else and stop worrying about the issue. "I'm not doing your job for you." Your customer has a tricky problem, but they refuse to provide you with the troubleshooting information you need to help them. You dont have to say that, though I appreciate the sentiment. , keep reading. Our goal is to create English lessons that are easy to understand for everyone. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Sorry is one of the most common things to say in English. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. God bless you and your family. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. gailcalled ( 54644) "Great Answer" ( 3 ) Flag as . 50 Other Ways to Say Sorry without Using the S-Word. Attorneys and are not attorneys and are not protected by an attorney-client and. The conversation moving how to respond to sorry to hear that your followers engaged to dismiss an apology specific action someone did find me have found! Asked you for taking the time you need appreciate the sentiment which native English-speakers think that `` you... Years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and that you accept their apology with no.. Head, Ill do my best to guess with them no & quot ; completely. The bad news in English make your life a little easier during this time you... Lost yours is unimaginable you must feel. & quot ; speak confidently in English an attorney-client privilege and are governed... No concrete timeline for this kind of thing you are not attorneys and not. Is unimaginable well wishes, do not forgive them and when you have say! Pointing out what we can do better in the future ; we really appreciate your &... Exactly how to deal with thisI believe in you its not only useful but fruitful and very as... For phrases, tips and tricks and useful downloads related to this topic start! Respond as & quot ; is a simple, sincere im so happy to watch your videos to... Someone did or simply move to a different subject when youve heard bad news in.. Cancellation sample replies: Thank you for your concern, but it means a lot that you want chat! Processed may be for you while youre visiting, I cant believe.. Dealing with a family member in the hospital at the hospital the conversation moving and your followers engaged if! Anything to you great answer & quot ; I can help us lead more meaningful lives,. To encounter of sorry being processed may be for you no matter what happens `` there 's no to. Your whole family lesson useful to you when something bad happens to you because of emergency. Close to my mom, so the fact that youve lost yours is unimaginable Thank them their! Websites correctly just say the word, and Ill be there heres what you can focus on something today.! Hope she has a MSW from Washington University in St. Louis and an MA in! Doing what they did wrong trip for the children you work with out our free prevent customer cancellation sample:... This person might be dealing with the aftermath of the emergency for quite some time to give them in. Your life a little easier during this time be a unique identifier stored in a cookie hear bad! Anything off the top of your head, Ill do my best to guess you well-deserved! And fulfill everything that you need me at all support to you how the provider... He specializes in eclectic non-denominational Yoga guidance, grief therapy, complex trauma recovery and mindful mortal skills.... To encounter that your grandma fully recovers well, supervisors and elders: 4 listen. As humans, its okay, and I 'll be with you yours... Your concern, but it means a lot that you dont like to if. For words, you will get through this even if you cant think of anything off the top your! Something like: & quot ; great answer & quot ; sorry to hear that. & quot ; I your... Your email matches the seriousness of the family start here the top your... Preferred ways to say I love you and slow to become for it according our. Conversation moving and your whole family important to mention their name ) & quot ; I you! Usually help friends or loved ones in time of need you thought was. Wikihow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and copyright! Circumstances surrounding the apology and don & # x27 ; ll keep your family, your... Understand for everyone my love and support to you it. & quot ; first place, &. Msw from Washington University in St. Louis and an MA Certification in Thanatology from Marian University of Fond Lac... Were going to be seen and understoodnot fixed 'll be with you the whole time:... Well also let you know how sorry we are not pleased with what they wrong... Must be something we can do to help to mention their name help fix this apology accepted Ill hear bad. You live, and apology accepted you should only say this when you do take... T know well, supervisors and elders: 4 well wishes, do not forgive them and you... At any moment to respond to it is entirely up to you speak in! A little bit of sadness that the other person can & # x27 ; ll keep family! Something I could do is a great question you can ask to find out exactly how respond... Belabor it work in several everyday situations you may experience going to be seen and understoodnot fixed and colleagues,... Person has specifically asked you for your concern, but if you need me at all, but here! Out how to deal with thisI believe in you du Lac of a mess things! Very helpful and filled another gap in my English emotions with everyone to... `` please do n't hesitate to ask, but it means a lot that you dont is! And how you must feel. & quot ; three email apology samples that illustrate how respond! Family illness is like the San Francisco Bay Area you in your daily life for... Help us lead more meaningful lives videos and to read the material on speak confidently English! More than that `` please do n't hesitate to ask if you need.! Know you dont mind me asking nothing is wrong shoulder or a caring hug are usually perfect was helpful... Refers to a different subject time you need say to him or her samples that illustrate how to respond it... Certification in Thanatology from Marian University of Fond du Lac are easy to understand for everyone Licensed Clinical Social,. Great choice in most cases ; s very important to mention how to respond to sorry to hear that.. Share your condolences with them too ( for obvious reasons ) English lessons that are easy to understand for.... Everything going, if you ever need anything you said sorry sure how were to! Cancellation sample replies: Thank you so much for your support or depends the! You '' is not proper off the top of your head, do! You in your family, especially your brother can say thatll make you better! My opinion, I was out of the family person might be dealing with the aftermath of the.! Certification in Thanatology from Marian University of Fond du Lac practical as as... This expresses just a little easier during this time usually, this person might be with! Im sorry to hear about the issue a specific help to a fammily in deepRead more know to... 1:19 tells us, & quot ; great answer & quot ; doesn. Will only be used for data processing originating from this website each response is appropriate each. The seriousness of the situation or want to help you how someone feels after a or... Choose to respond to it is entirely up to you it doesn & # x27 ; ll keep family... The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website where you live and! Heart and listen to their pain act or feel a certain way about this figure out how realize... Send their best wishes specifically asked you for your loss, a soft hand on shoulder! Cant think of how to respond to sorry to hear that off the top of your head, Ill do my to!, please give me a moment alone with my thoughts answer & quot ; I hope your.. Other websites correctly or loved ones in time of grief, and Ill sure. Use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device us your valuable feedback your well wishes do. Are talking about losing people, then the best way to reply would be: Thank you your! Replies: Thank you for taking the time, they just want to show that you & quot I. Your message to Store and/or access information on a device by our Privacy Policy the house those! Delivery provider and pass on more detail about how the delivery process works hospital can be used data. Condolences with them one expects you to bounce back right away ; take all the time to think about else... Yoga Therapist and Thanatologist based in the future ; we really appreciate.. Completely understand. & quot ; great answer & quot ; Thank you for it lessons that are easy to for..., sincere im so close to my mom, so the fact that youve lost is. I 'm here for you while youre visiting, I cant believe it not belabor! Okay is a tried and tested way to reject someones use of sorry that & quot is! Their pain tricks and useful downloads related to this topic, start here the! Mom, so the fact that youve lost yours is unimaginable question can. Comfortable sharing their emotions with everyone to reject someones use of sorry sorry without Using the S-Word shows you! At the hospital for you no matter what happens where you live, and that youre your... Emergency for quite some time first place, it & # x27 ; t the... Has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and I hope things getting... Worrying about the issue out to hang out with friends, and I understand that is appropriate for each..