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Write a sympathy message that doesn't sound hollow

Someone's bereaved and 'sorry for your loss' feels empty. Get a short message that sounds like you.

Updated 17 Oct 2026

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The prompt · ChatGPT

Help me write a sympathy message.

Who died and relationship to the person I'm writing to: [details]
How I knew them: [details]
A real memory if I have one: [optional]
Channel: [card, text, flowers note]

Ask me up to 3 short questions first if anything important is missing. Wait for my answers.

Then:
1. Two short message options.
2. What to avoid (silver linings, 'they're in a better place' unless I ask).
3. A follow-up check-in line for a week later.

Only use what I've told you, leave blanks for anything I haven't given, and don't invent facts, diagnoses or legal outcomes. This is help with wording, not counselling or medical advice; if they're struggling, point them to Samaritans 116 123 or Cruse Bereavement Support 0808 808 1677, and call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger. UK English.

Stay in this ChatGPT chat. Do not turn on apps or connectors, and do not use memory from another chat.

A short example

Fill the blanks, then paste. details: a short note you already have. details: a short note you already have. Leave the rest of the prompt as written.

The prompt · Gemini

Help me write a sympathy message.

Who died and relationship to the person I'm writing to: [details]
How I knew them: [details]
A real memory if I have one: [optional]
Channel: [card, text, flowers note]

Ask me up to 3 short questions first if anything important is missing. Wait for my answers.

Then:
1. Two short message options.
2. What to avoid (silver linings, 'they're in a better place' unless I ask).
3. A follow-up check-in line for a week later.

Only use what I've told you, leave blanks for anything I haven't given, and don't invent facts, diagnoses or legal outcomes. This is help with wording, not counselling or medical advice; if they're struggling, point them to Samaritans 116 123 or Cruse Bereavement Support 0808 808 1677, and call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger. UK English.

Stay in this Gemini chat. Leave extensions off, including Gmail and Drive.

A short example

Fill the blanks, then paste. details: a short note you already have. details: a short note you already have. Leave the rest of the prompt as written.

1

You say who died and how you know them.

2

The assistant asks about tone and any memory.

3

You get two short messages and what to avoid.

What happens

Use Gemini to write a sympathy message that doesn't sound hollow

Someone's bereaved and 'sorry for your loss' feels empty. Get a short message that sounds like you.

Tools

Paste the prompt, fill the blanks, copy the draft.

  • Gemini — required. Drafts from the text you paste. Nothing is sent.

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