Telling people is a job nobody applies for. Every call spends something, and the words won't come out right because there are no right words. So take these - word for word, edited to fit, or handed to someone else to say for you.
Telling family and friends
- "I have hard news and I'm just going to say it: Dad died this morning. I can't talk long, but I wanted you to hear it from me."
- For the ones who'll have questions you can't face: "I'll share more when I can. Right now I just needed you to know."
- By text, when a call is beyond you (it's allowed): "This is easier for me to write than say. Mum died on Tuesday. I'm okay-ish and I'll call when I'm able. No need to reply with anything big."
The admin calls
- "I'm calling because my husband died and I need to close his account. I have his details ready. I'd appreciate keeping this brief."
- When they transfer you again: "I've now told three people my wife died. Please put a note on the file so I don't have to keep saying it."
Ending any conversation
- "I'm going to go now - thank you for the kind words."
- "I can't talk about this today. I'll be in touch when I can."
- Hanging up, walking away, not answering at all: also complete sentences