She misses her father.

[Resurgence333]

My university flatmate's father recently passed away and the other night I overheard her crying. So the next morning I asked her if she was ok. She said that she was missing her father and that when he was alive and she was feeling unhappy, he would give her a cuddle. She then asked if she could cuddle me. So I said ok and she felt better afterwards. Is there anything I can to do make her feel more at home and help her. I enjoy baking, which I know is very sappy for a guy to enjoy! but I was thinking would baking her a cake and muffins, be nice or would that just be patronising? Any suggestions would be great, thank you!

I think that's a lovely idea and I'm sure she would appreciate it. Just be there for her, to listen to her and talk. It also helps to have lighthearted moments so just be yourself around her and also watch out for times when she needs to be alone. You sound like a lovely and thoughtful guy

Thank you! I will start baking tomorrow!

Aww you're lovely! You are a good friend. And it's not sappy for a guy to bake!

Thank you for the replies!

Awwwww cakes a lovely idea! I second what others have said just be there to talk to if she wants to love x

That's lovely. Make sure she knows that you are there for her.

Two other things:
people who are grieving rarely ask for help so be prepared to offer. [Eg. it's common after bereavement for everyone to say things like "if you need me for anything call me" but a person in deep grief just won't. Keep an eye out for things like her not eating properly/eating junk/not cooking etc.]

make sure she knows it's normal to grieve for a long time - it takes between 5 to 7 years to come to terms with a close bereavement. And there is a societal pressure to feel "I should be over it" by now. Be supportive of that and if she says anything like "I should be over it" make sure that you know that she's doing OK and shouldn't be "over it" at that stage.