01-11-2014, 10:33 PM
dmann wrote:
FWIW, I'm a female so my perspective is coming from there. I'd offer a simple: I am sorry to hear about your divorce and understand if it is something you'd rather not discuss. Please know that I am here for you. IF you want to talk or vent or just have someone keep you company, I'm happy to help.
DM
Ditto. The trick is to express concern in a way that shows respect for the cousin's wishes. The challenge comes from not being sure what those wishes are, hence the open-ended and non-judgmental approach. It may be easier to send such a note than to call -- the note can be carefully phrased and edited. Phone conversations are harder to control. Save the phone call for the follow-up.