what to say when visiting sick friend or relative in the hospital?
By faraza
@faraza (159)
Malaysia
November 18, 2008 9:40pm CST
The other day I went to the hospital to visit my sister in-law. She has been suffering from diabetes since 10 years ago. She was admitted due to calcium deposit in her lung/heart making her difficult to breathe. So I went there with my husband and ask her about her condition and so on. The conversation ended in 5 minutes. Then it was quiet. It was very awkward! We have no idea what to say. She was already sick and have no mood to talk. We knew about her disease since it started. My husband does not want to go back yet. So what i did was wandering around the ward observing other patients. But that was not polite right? I've always have the same problem when visiting friends or relatives in the hospital. What do you guys suggest?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@swtpareek (650)
• United States
19 Nov 08
It happens with everyone in such a situation. We don't know what to say and console and calm the other person. Also whatever we say turns out to be something silly only! It is not important to say anything when visiting a patient, the important part is the fact that you are there beside them when they need you! So don;t feel bad if you are not able to say anything but feel good that you are there with them when they needed you! Else you can just talk since when has the person been unwell! But the thing is the patient is already fed up with his/her disease and must want to talk about something else! SO you can convey other people's "get well soon message" or something like that!
@smilemoon (766)
• United Arab Emirates
4 Feb 13
It is important to be nice with patient when we visit him/her. We shouldn't talk about social problems for example. We should avoid work matters too. We shouldn't stay for a long time. Nice words will be helpful for sure
. At the end, nice to say, "I hope you get well soon."
. At the end, nice to say, "I hope you get well soon."
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
20 Nov 08
When I visit someone in the hospital, I let them steer the conversation. If they don't feel like talking then I leave, if they do, then we talk.
