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So there is a condolence card in the break room for one of my coworkers who’s dad just died. It has a bible verse on the front and may God give you peace stuff inside. I don’t really want to put my name on it. Would you?

LisaL81 7 Aug 22
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118 comments (51 - 75)

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3

Its not about you, its about their grieving, show the sentiment

Found the social conformist

Yes. It is about the trials of fellow humans.

3

Write your own card?

3

Don't worry, you'll mellow with time, and experience being so touchy about things. In the meantime just do whatever feels right, and try to not place so much importance on how you think some might see you.

that was good advice.

3

Yes. Be nice. It sucks losing a dad. I am an atheist, my dad was Chatholic. I delivered his eulogy in a Chatholic church.

Your co-worker is hurt. It doesn't matter if they follow theological beliefs or not. Your human and so are they. This isn't about you or your beliefs. It is about showing you care to a person who is grieving. It is being part of a society, when you are most needed to be.

3

I wouldn't want to but only because I have weird handwriting and I'm paranoid about my signature and what to write. It always looks shitty next to all the cute girly ones. I probably would still do it though.

Someone's condolence card is not the place to express your religious opinion. Also I think buying a separate card signed only by you would be weird and kindof a jerk move unless you are a close friend of the specific coworker. It's not about you. It's just a card from coworkers as a group to express sympathy.

If you are really opposed to signing it dont. They probably won't notice anyway depending on how many signatures there are. Just tell them when you see them that you were sorry to hear about there loss.

MsAl Level 8 Aug 22, 2019
3

Buy a seperate one

3

Why not simply put up your own non-religiously based Condolence card, signed in your own name?
I've been doing just that for more years than I can remember.

3

For office cards I generally don't read them before I sign as it isn't for me and I hope that the person who purchased the card is familiar with the wishes of the person receiving the card.

3

I would, and have.
I certainly don't make any comments about God, or an afterlife. But I will say something to the tune of," I'm sorry for your loss, and I hope you are holding up OK". or something like that.
In the end, I think the comments are really for the grieving one, so any kind of support I'm sure would feel nice when they read it.
It's not too hard to say something nice, and not have to mention any of the religious crap.

3

It is just a text word you are not giving anything away if you sign it. It is just recognizing that you share grief for the guy basically validating emotions. If it were someone I cared about I would sign it not because I acknowledge a deity, I care for my friend who is grieving.

3

Having officiated at several funerals, funerals are for the living not the dead. It depends on how well you know the coworker if not well, sign the card, if well and they are religious, sign the card, if well and they are not religious, send your own card.

3

No. I would give him a separate card if I wanted to express sympathy/ empathy like that.

3

Offer your own card that's more in line with your own ethics... you don't have to take on anyone else's religion, not even if their dad just died.

3

It depends. If you know the co-worker is religious and would appreciate the religious sentiment - then yes.

Otherwise a separate card of your own. Perhaps also offered in the break room.

2

Displaying concern is not a statement of support for stupidity.

Where?

@DZhukovin I was referring to the OP. You?

@Jacar

What?

@DZhukovin Signing the card is being human.

@Jacar

How?

@DZhukovin It is all about concern for the bereaved. Not the time nor place to call them out as still.

@Jacar

Where?

@DZhukovin When?

@Jacar

I don't know. Where does when happen?

@Jacar

Are you there?

@DZhukovin Ha Ha Ha.

@Jacar

What?

2

It doesn't hurt to sign it and the grieving loved ones of the deceased person may appreciate your condolances. SIgn it.

2

I would - why not? The dead can't read the damn thing anyway but it may provide comfort to the family and since it's not about me - I'm fine with that.

2

I would just express my condolences and leave the religiulous prattle out!

2

Okay so I understand that religious folk can be a thoughtless and generally just stupid lot.

They might wear on the nerves with their stupidity, gibberish and other insulting behaviors. You might even have a whole swathe of people who agree with you in your dislike, including myself because those cunts don't let me sleep since they're too busy trying to figure out how to mess with me 24/7.

If you happen to have already kept a berth from them, you're probably right in doing so, but there's a shortcoming in your assumptions here, which has to do with how much importance you put on people's manner of thinking and functioning.

By making your break room into a personal scenario, you kind of reduced your length of stay with that employer. That's just Operations 101.

Aside from that, I would just hope that the person who was taking the condolences isn't a sensitive person, with the means to take revenge because a person like that ALWAYS creates problems, and is likely to get away with it, while getting the benefits from it, too.

2

I'm with those who say buy a separate one. I wouldn't sign the one with the bible verse.

2

I would as its for a coworker. He or she would know my opinion on the religious angle as I am introduced to new hires as the resident atheist!

BillF Level 7 Aug 22, 2019
2

I hate cards, esp sympathy cards. why not just speak to the person.

This may be the best suggestion on the whole thread. Personal communication vs impersonal card signing

@ChicagoMike I feel like cards are more to check off the I care box. It is harder but more rea l to call, of meet with person and have a conversation. I have noticed often people are uncomfortable with others loss. Everyone signs a card and when they return to.work , it is like it never happened for most. Not that the card isnt a nice gesture, but not sure it adds value.

2

Nope. I go to the dollar store and get a nice secular one.

2

If they are someone I care about, yes I would.

2

No because these types of cards are often sent by well meaning fools to people who may not even share their beliefs. I would go directly to my coworker and let them know if they need anything even just to talk I am available. Religious condolence cards are just another form of Snots and Bears...

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