Dealing With Other's Pain

So far I've been lucky. I've had very little loss in my life. So when I see others going through a crisis, the best response isn't always clear to me. Usual responses can vary between cliché sayings, shallow expressions of understanding, vague offers to help, or just helpless avoidance. A friend recently shared this article from the New York Times that says what I've heard my wife say before, be honest and be specific. Don't ask if there is anything you can do to help, the grieving don't always have the mental energy or patience to teach you how to love them. Instead, pick something that you think needs to be done (fix dinner, mow the lawn, drive their child to an appointment) and do it. The only responsibility of those in pain is to accept the help offered.