Being sympathetic
to the “it could be worse” thinking
So what?
ICYMI – What does it mean when people say “it could be worse”? This phrase is used to give reassurance to a person going through challenging circumstances in their life. The intent is to remind the person that things could be worse even though they are aggregated and/or irritated.
In our previous two posts, we discussed the benefits and the associated common pitfalls of the thinking behind the phrase. We will provide you with more sympathetic ways to say such phrase to yourself or those around you.
Difficult time
- I’m all ears
- We’re here for you
- Things will be okay
- Don’t think you are alone
- Someday, this will be a distant, bad memory
- It’s normal to be overwhelmed at the moment
Sickness
- You’ve got this
- Take one step at a time
- I hope you get well soon
- My thoughts are with you
- I’m sorry to hear that you’re unwell
- It’s great to know that you’ve got a support system
Death or loss
- How can I help?
- I’m lost for words
- I’m so sorry to hear about your loss
- My sincere condolences on your loss
- Feel free to reach out if you need anything
My experience
I don’t typically say “it could be worse” unless I have a good, personal relationship with the person and I have a full understanding of the situation and what they are feeling. I reckon that it can be taken in a way that you didn’t intend and even almost sound condescending. Whilst I try my best to stick to one of the alternatives as above, the phrase does sometimes slip out between my teeth. If it does, I try to follow it up with “having said that” and then one of the alternatives. This way, you are being mindful and sensitive if the instance you’re referring to actually turns out to be the worst they’ve imagined.
What now?
- Do you have a typical phrase that you say to someone that is going through a tough time? Share what it is with us.