In life and especially in palliative care, we hear overwhelmingly sad stories. How to respond? How not to respond? This cartoon reminds us to leave out the platitudes. Don’t say something cheap, cheesy, trite, or over-simplified—anything that could be found on an embroidered throw pillow. Try saying nothing. Stay with them, nod to indicate you heard, maybe place a hand on a shoulder. Some experiences are so terrible that presence is more helpful than throw-pillow platitudes.

Gray, Nathan [@NathanAGray]. “Empathy 101.” Twitter, 18 April 2022. https://twitter.com/NathanAGray/status/1516220580466470917

Further reading/listening: Kate Bowler’s podcast with Emily McDowell.
https://katebowler.com/podcasts/emily-mcdowell-theres-no-good-card-for-that-s2e1/