What are you supposed to say to people when something horrible happens?

A kid I go to school with, his brother has a brain tumour. 😪
I don't talk to him much, and when he talks to me it's never nice. But he's sad and I want to say something. I just don't know what or how.
If my brother was sick, I'd be very sad as well.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

SimplyAPerson · 22-25, F

I know we don’t talk normally, but I heard about your brother and I wanted to tell you that I’m very sorry that this happened to him. In case you need a friend, you can talk to me

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

I said that to him. 😪@SimplyAPerson

SimplyAPerson · 22-25, F

@Manfredthemanic How was it?

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

@SimplyAPerson He told me to get lost. I told him I wanted to help and he said I wasn't.

SimplyAPerson · 22-25, F

@Manfredthemanic Wow what a jerk tbh! Good for you for being so kind. You deserve great friends

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

@SimplyAPerson Thank you. Everyone was mad at me after that, even though I didn't do anything wrong. Mum told me I shouldn't be too upset because he is going through a tough time and no boy his age should have to go through a brain tumour.

Fluffybull · F

@Manfredthemanic Of course you didn't do anything wrong, you were just trying to be kind. But I think your mum is right; people can sometimes be rude without meaning to when they're under stress. Don't take it too personally.

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

@Fluffybull I know. I still feel really bad for him and his brother. Mostly his brother.
Maybe he will say sorry later.

SimplyAPerson · 22-25, F

@Manfredthemanic Your feelings are totally understandable. Nobody should be treated like that in any case and especially when they’re offering to help. I would feel bad too

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

@SimplyAPerson My mum told me to keep being kind because he is hurting a lot. If my brother was sick, I would be sad too, but I wouldn't be mean.

Fluffybull · F

@Manfredthemanic Yes, very often people realise later how they've behaved.

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

@Fluffybull Maybe I can try again another time.

SimplyAPerson · 22-25, F

@Manfredthemanic <3

Fluffybull · F

@Manfredthemanic I'd leave it for a bit. Let things settle. 👍

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

@Fluffybull Okay. I can wait. 😊