Help me out a bit here guys?
Met a colleague today who completely floored me by responding to usual 'hey, how are you?' by saying he was splitting with wife. Clearly devastated. She is leaving for new partner. Two teenage kids (who will stay with him). He has recently lost a parent too.
Not close friends with colleague - kept in touch after previously working together - but concerned enough to offer support.
What's useful/not useful to say? Should mention I work in profession where I routinely deal with people and their problems so can do the professional response, just felt a bit useless with the personal bit - no personal experience to draw on.
What best to say/not say? Do/not do?
Have posted in Relationships section too.
TIA