How do you deal with others' discomfort at the news?

[Nevertime]

DH died in the summer after a long illness.

I've been making an effort to get out and a about in recent weeks and have met up with people I haven't seen since before he was ill (mostly due to covid).

Some are old friends, some are more acquaintances. Most know he was ill, some know he died, but I haven't seen them since he died for them to offer face to face condolences.

So, the first thing that happens when we meet is they tell me how sorry they are and I say something ridiculous like "that's OK" or "these things happen"

What's the correct way to acknowledge what they've said and move the conversation on quickly?

I used to say something like "thank you" as an acknowledgement, or sometimes "me too".

I'm not sure there is a correct way.
Do you always want to move the conversation on quickly?

When my mum died, I used to just reply "Thank you", and change the subject.
I'm sorry for your loss

My mum passed away 12 days ago. I am trying to say 'Thank you'

Because I usually end up saying similar to you. 'It's ok' or 'it happens'.....whilst internally screaming 'it shouldn't have happened'.

I think if I said what I want

"Yes it's just awful. I feel like my world has ended and I won't ever be happy again"

Or

"Yes it's horrific, I don't sleep and cry most of the night instead"

Etc then people feel awful and I would end up feeling bad.

I don't think there's a right response. I think we are all just trying to find our way.

So sorry for your loss aswell.

So sorry for your loss OP.

It's just under a year since my DW died. I just used 'Thank you' and still do if asked occasionally. But that is often followed with 'Me and the DC are doing ok' as a blanket answer.

It all still feels like yesterday, even though it feels time has passed.

Dd1 died a couple of years ago. People still find out now (work colleagues etc). I hd a real thing about not saying ‘oh that’s ok’, because in my head I was screaming it isn’t. I always say ‘thank you’ now when people offer condolences. I also try to tell (a mild version of) the truth if people ask how I am and I’m having a bad day, rather than saying I’m fine.