A friend and I had many discussions on the pros and cons of condolence messages on Facebook. While we both seemed to be on the fence, I was not surprised when he announced the death of his father on Facebook. In this day and age, social media is the most expedient way to communicate personal news.
But the postings on Facebook pose a dilemma; do you in turn post a condolence message on Facebook or write a traditional condolence note?
The decision was not too hard for me; I always write a note of sympathy. Having been bereaved myself, I know the healing power of written condolences and I like to think sympathy notes will be re-read and cherished during the period of mourning.
Facebook communication is so tempting because it is immediate. Had I written on his wall, my friend would have known instantly that I cared. Instead, he had to wait a few days until the sympathy note arrived.
Was it worth the wait? I believe so. My friend wrote an email to thank me and we have been emailing each other since. While Facebook is immediate, the posts are often short and quickly written. Notes with personal messages of condolence take time and are usually well thought out. I believe they are meaningful; well worth the time it takes to write and deliver.
But the postings on Facebook pose a dilemma; do you in turn post a condolence message on Facebook or write a traditional condolence note?
The decision was not too hard for me; I always write a note of sympathy. Having been bereaved myself, I know the healing power of written condolences and I like to think sympathy notes will be re-read and cherished during the period of mourning.
Facebook communication is so tempting because it is immediate. Had I written on his wall, my friend would have known instantly that I cared. Instead, he had to wait a few days until the sympathy note arrived.
Was it worth the wait? I believe so. My friend wrote an email to thank me and we have been emailing each other since. While Facebook is immediate, the posts are often short and quickly written. Notes with personal messages of condolence take time and are usually well thought out. I believe they are meaningful; well worth the time it takes to write and deliver.
RSS Feed
