Reasons to Write a Condolence Letter. It's easy to pick up a mass-produced sympathy card from a local store, but writing one with your own personal, heartfelt words is often more meaningful.

In today's Miss Manners column, advice columnist Judith Martin responds to when "sorry for your loss" backfires.

A condolence letter acknowledging a death does not have to be as formal as most other types of business letters, especially for a business colleague to whom you were close.

I am wondering if it would be crass or in poor taste to give a new widow a thoughtful sympathy card with money in it, rather ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am wondering if it would be crass or in poor taste to give a new widow a thoughtful sympathy card with ...

Condolence letters should be acknowledged, assuring those who care that their appreciation of the deceased and sympathy for the bereaved was meaningful. Doing so can also offer comfort in ...