It is never easy to talk to someone who is dying. You always worry too much about saying the wrong thing. The best thing is to be yourself and be willing to listen more. It is never easy to find the right words to talk to someone who is dying, but you will find it become even more difficult when someone you love is dying. Still, you can keep a few things in mind to decide what you should be saying to someone who is terminally ill.

What to Say to Someone Who Is Dying

Some people want to say a lot but fail to find the right words to convey their true feelings, while others simply lack the thoughtfulness to know how to talk to someone who is dying. Whatever the case, the following tips will always help.

1. Encourage Them to Talk About Their Past and Goals

People behave differently while approaching their mortality. Some believe this is the time to mend relationships with family or friends, while others have their focus on remembering accomplishments. When you meet someone dying, you should give them the chance to open up and feel that their life had significance. Let them talk about the things they have learned and share whatever memories you have of them. Make them feel important.

2. Speak the Truth but Be Kind

There is no need to avoid talking about the fact that someone you love is dying. Just make sure that you do not clobber them with the truth. At the same time, you should not let someone dying guide the situation. Take control of the situation but be sure to maintain the openness of the conversation.

3. Talk About Your Regrets

While you do not need to fuss over small insults or injuries, it is a good thing to talk about any hurtful words you may have said in the past to the dying person. Show your regret and ask for their forgiveness. How they react to your apology is not important but at least you know you have done the right thing to address a painful part of your relationship.

4. Forgive Them to Free Yourself of Hard Feelings

When you take the opportunity to ask for their forgiveness, they may reciprocate in the same way. Be quick to say, "I forgive you". This will let you have a sense of peace even after the death of that person. It is important that you forgive the person sincerely even if they do not acknowledge the deep hurt in your relationship. You will have to let go of your anger, and this will actually help you move ahead in life with a light heart.

5. Appreciate Their Legacy

Your last meeting should not be about negative things and forgiveness only, but you should also take the opportunity to express thanks for how the dying person has touched your life. This will help them know that they have some significance for you. It also helps them feel dignified. A sincere "thank you" will make your loved one feel special.

6. Express Your Love

You are never too late to express your love and actually say, "I love you". Even if you have never been in the habit of expressing your love, you should take this opportunity to make an exception. Say "I love you" freely and often to take your relationship to a different level.

7. Say Goodbye

Say your final farewell! End your conversation in a way that you have no regret later. It should not end like "see you around" or something that leaves room for another meeting. If someone is nearing death, you should end your conversation in a way that it is the last time you speak. Remind them again how much you admire them and are thankful for what they have done for you in life.

Tips on Talking with Someone Who Is Dying

Now you know a bit about what to say to someone who is dying,but there are some tips to make your last meetings less stressful.

• Take your time and let the other person talk. Listen to what they say and know what they want to talk about more. Even when they know they are dying, they may not want to discuss it anymore. Do not make them to.
• Do not say you know what they feel. There is no way to understand what they exactly feel, so do not make any such statements.
• Try ways in which you can remember someone who is dying. Making a DVD of them may always help. You can discuss your shared history and talk about how you really feel about them.
• You do not always need to talk to someone who is dying. It is also fine to sit quietly if that is considered right in your culture.

Things to Avoid

Knowing what to say to someone who is dyingis important but it is equally important to know what you should avoid when talking to someone who is terminally ill.

• Avoid giving false assurances because this undermines trust and makes the other person more anxious.
• Avoid pushing the patient to make a confession, convert, or renounce long-held values or beliefs.
• Avoid forcing a conversation on them if they are not in a mood to talk.