How to give sympathy for a lost opportunity or job

“Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?” — Robert Browning

Start Here

Anyone who has ever tried anything worth trying knows that there are missed opportunities along the way.

It’s important to remind them that there will be other opportunities, but be careful not to invalidate their feelings of disappointment and rejection.

Get them excited about the next job or opportunity.

A Big Freaking List of Comforting Statements

Name

I see how upset you are, and I’m sorry to see you struggle.

You have every right to feel the way you do.

I can’t imagine how you must feel.

It’s okay to be sad.

Everything you feel is totally understandable.

You’re doing everything you need to do. Sometimes, just taking it hour by hour is enough. This is one of those times.

I know you don't feel it right now, but you will feel better eventually.

You are so loved.

You are stronger than you know.

I've got you, boo.

I've got your back.

I think it's brave that you get up every day despite knowing how hard it is. Thank you for not giving up.

You can handle this, especially if you take it one step at a time.

You have a 100 percent track record for getting through tough days.

Feelings are not facts and not all thoughts are true.

This too shall pass.

You can and will get through this.

If it's out of your hands, it should be free from your mind too.

I'm here to feel with you and let you know you're not alone.

Hang in there.

Please remember I’m here for you, not to intrude, but to support in whatever way you need me.

Divorce is okay. Starting over is okay. Moving on is okay. Saying no is okay. Being alone is okay. What’s not okay is staying somewhere where you aren’t happy, valued, or appreciated.

With divorce comes renewal. With leaving comes arriving at a healthy place. With shedding the toxic comes a brilliant new glow and a slow but steady process of rediscovering yourself. You lose the one who caused you to walk on eggshells, the one who seemed annoyed every time you tried to talk about important things, the one who always acted as if you weren’t good enough. Yet, you were chosen by them because of your natural goodness.

You’re stuck in this miserable page in a crappy chapter, but baby, you have no idea that there is so much more to the book. You’ll realize that. Someday soon, I promise.

Love is not how much pain you can tolerate from your partner. You made the right decision.

I know that you feel broken right now. But trust me, my friend, you are so strong. You’re holding yourself together and even though you think you will shatter at any moment, you don’t stop. You just heal. It may not be pretty or grateful, but fuck it, you keep going.

With time, you’ll see that the crazy, anxious person version of you was simply a kindhearted, tender person reacting to a very unkind situation.

You’re so strong. You left someone who did you wrong and it was someone you never that you’d leave. That’s incredibly brave - you looked beyond what you had, what you wanted and decided to chase what you needed.

Forgive yourself for not knowing better at the time. Forgive yourself for giving away your power. Forgive yourself for past mistakes. You did what you had to do to survive. You did the best you could do with the information you had at the time.

I’m so sorry to hear that <name> is unwell. If there is anything I can do — even bake you guys a mean casserole — just let me know!

Wishing <name> warm and sunny wishes for a speedy recovery.

Hoping this finds you and <name> well on the way to a speedy recovery.

Hoping each new day will find <name> feeling better.

Hope he/she will soon be well.

Hope her/his hospital stay is a short one.

Wishing him/her a speedy recovery.

Just a cheery note to wish you and <name> well.

Sending you peaceful thoughts and warm wishes.

Thinking of you and hoping you're feeling better soon

Thinking of you and <name> and I’m hoping he/she is feeling better.

I hope his/her illness will soon be only a memory.

Just a note to let you know how much I care.

Hope he/se will continue to feel better every day.

Hope he/she will be in the best of health again soon.

My thoughts are with you with love and caring.

Hoping he/she feels stronger with each passing day.

With love and special wishes that <name> will soon be feeling better.

Hope he/she is up and about soon.

I know this is hard and you’re not alone. If there is anything I can do to make life easier, better, or kinder to you, let me know and I’ll be happy to do it.

I can't imagine how you must be feeling right now, but know that I'm here for anything and everything.

It’s okay to be angry and it's okay to be frustrated.

I'm so sorry you are experiencing this, I wish there was something I could do to make your life better – but until then I can at least be by your side in any way possible.

May her/his recovery be swift and painless.

I’m thinking of you both.