Perhaps it’s not a good idea to keep saying “Everything happens for a reason” when something bad or tragic happens to someone. One day, we might get an answer like, “Oh, yeah? Like what?” Accompanied by a withering stare.
Because no matter how good our intentions are, it could sound like we’re just brushing off someone’s pain with an easy platitude.
Cure-all statements are always suspect.
Better yet, we must learn NOT to say things that give false hopes, like “Everything’s going to be all right.” Or “This, too, shall pass.” Because, well…what if it doesn’t?!!
I know. It works in the movies. But not always in real life.
Avoid sweeping generalizations like “It’s going to be worse before it gets better.” First, you don’t know if that’s really going to happen. And second, did anyone ask for your opinion?
Hurting people don’t need to get hurt some more by our glib pronouncements and unsolicited advice. If we don’t know what to say, a quiet prayer and a sincere hug will do.
