“Oomis1105, can you please provide some examples of what would be tactful, versus not? I have several friends and relatives who are around 30 with siblings younger then them who are engaged or married and I just don’t know the proper things to say/do.
Thanks! “
Never say the following:
“Don’t worry, dear. Yout turn will come, too.”
“Someone even BETTER is in store for you!”
“Maybe you should try a dating service.”
“This must be hard for your parents.” (Yes, I have heard all the above!)
Personally, I think a simple mazel tov is sufficient to say to the older unmarried sib. Maybe (depending on the personality of the single, I might also say, ” May Hashem bless you with much simcha.” Sometimes the less said, the better. IF the single sib engages in a conversation about his or her status, then you can judge whether or not to say words of chizuk. But see the above list and DO NOT EVER SAY THAT TO ANYONE. It really hurts them. I have a relative who couldn;t even stand to hear people say, “Im Yirtzeh Hashem by you.” When nothing is happening and one is in emotional pain, it is very hard to hear the very real bracha in that expression.