The Art of Supporting Someone in Grief: What Not to Say (And What Actually Helps)

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences, and it's also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Shola Richards breaks down the most common mistakes people make when trying to comfort someone in grief, and why those words, even when well-meaning, can make things worse. But this isn’t just about what not to say - it’s also about understanding what grief actually feels like beneath the surface, why so many people disappear after the first few weeks, and how real support looks when there’s nothing to fix. You’ll learn how to move beyond surface-level empathy, how to show up without trying to “solve” someone’s pain, and why your presence matters more than the perfect words. The Kindness Strategies:Practice The 3 Word TestBuild a Grief CalendarWrite a Grief Permission Statement If you’ve ever felt unsure of what to say or felt alone in your own grief, this conversation is for you. Tune in, and share the episode with a friend!  Resources mentioned in this episode:Episode 36 - Permission to be Human: Mental Health Strategies for People Who Don't Like the HolidaysEpisode 54 - The People Pleasing Trap: 3 Ways to Know If You're Being Kind or a Doormat  For speaking requests or collaborations:https://sholarichards.com/speaking/?utm_source=kindness_extremist&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ep58  🔗 Connect with Shola:Instagram – @sholarichardsWebsite – sholarichards.comRead more on Substack.This podcast is produced by https://www.micmoguls.com