Expressing sympathy/ concern

[Curmudgeoness]

1. I deal with this in different ways,

depending on the person and what I know about them.

If it is a loss, I will usually say "I am sorry for your loss, what can I do to help, do you need anything". If it is an illness or setback where others are praying for them, instead of saying I will pray, I say "I hope things get better" or "wishing you well".

But if I know the person is particularly religious, I will tell them to lean on their faith to get them through. I know that is what they want to do anyways, and it seems to help them. I know that doesn't sound very "atheist" of me, but in these situations, it isn't about me.