What types of flowers or arrangements are appropriate for the family of someone in the ICU? [more inside]
posted by GarotaDaCidade on Sep 14, 2009 - 16 answers

How can I help a friend through her first-ever breakup? [more inside]
posted by Jacen Solo on Jun 25, 2009 - 28 answers

My psychotherapist's husband is very ill, perhaps dying. I have a strong relationship with my therapist, but we have always maintained clear doctor/patient boundaries. What (if anything) can I do to offer support without overstepping the boundaries of our relationship?
posted by anonymous on May 21, 2009 - 11 answers

Does someone with a dying relative better understand what someone who has lost a relative is going through? Explanation inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 4, 2009 - 12 answers

Taxfilter: Is it possible to negotiate with the IRS? [more inside]
posted by brigita on Apr 13, 2009 - 8 answers

In the past few months, both parents of my Japanese-American (by way of Hawaii) coworker have passed away. What gift/donation might be appropriate and have special significance to her? [more inside]
posted by acorn1515 on Mar 24, 2009 - 7 answers

When did "thoughts and prayers" become such a commonplace expression of sympathy? [more inside]
posted by HopperFan on Feb 16, 2009 - 11 answers

What is a unique or more tangible Air Force or “Support our Troops”-related sympathy gift? [more inside]
posted by texas_blissful on Jun 26, 2008 - 8 answers

At a cocktail party last weekend, an Anthropologist was telling me about an experiment/study where people were shown videos of various animals preying on one another, and then measured their reactions. The findings, he contends, were that humans were largely more sympathetic to the deaths of animals more similar to themselves (i.e. sharing a more recent common ancestor). What is this study, what is this area of research called, and where can I read more about it? [more inside]
posted by jjjjjjjijjjjjjj on Jan 18, 2008 - 8 answers

Alternatives to "I'm sorry..." [more inside]
posted by TheGoldenOne on Dec 8, 2007 - 35 answers

My excellent mechanic has obviously been going through some personal problems the last few days. [more inside]
posted by brevator on Aug 22, 2007 - 14 answers

I have a hard time talking to my friends about other people's terminal illnesses and/or deaths. I'd like to get better at this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 16, 2007 - 12 answers

What to write in a condolence note to the boss? [more inside]
posted by agent99 on Jan 23, 2007 - 6 answers

Why don't I bruise? [more inside]
posted by tim_in_oz on Nov 7, 2006 - 26 answers

Good ideas for a genuine token of sympathy for a 12(ish) year old girl who is about to lose her dog? [more inside]
posted by Ufez Jones on Sep 12, 2006 - 12 answers

My future mother-in-law was laid off unexpectedly this week. She probably had a week's notice. Is there anything I can do? [more inside]
posted by saucy on Nov 30, 2005 - 9 answers

How can I be there for a long-distance friend who's going through a devastating breakup? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 12, 2005 - 14 answers

How do I learn what to say to a friend in need? [more inside]
posted by schroedinger on Apr 19, 2005 - 18 answers

My very best friend lost her 6 month old baby girl to a freak accident last week. We're surrounding her and her family with love and understanding and whatever they need, but I'd love to hear the opinions of anyone who has been in this situation. What did you need or want in your time of loss? Suggestions for practical things (dinner, laundry, etc) or otherwise are all welcome.
posted by chiababe on Nov 16, 2004 - 19 answers