Though getting divorced can be a positive life change, it is one of the most emotional and stressful ordeals a person can go through. It feels like someone you loved dearly has died, and their slightly petty, erratically cruel but sometimes nostalgic ghost is haunting you, mostly through random texts and social media. It utterly blows, and feeding oneself during the process can be a for-real struggle.

If you're not careful, your well-meaning condolences can make you sound like a total arse. The trick to offering your sincere sympathy to the bereaved is knowing what to avoid while you show your support. These are the seven big no-no's.

When a friend is down, it's natural to try to cheer them up. That may not be what they need most, however. As The School of Life explains, "jollying" your friend along may not be the best way to empathise with them.