Bereavement messages for someone I don’t know well

[EnamelledStars]

I have a mostly physical relationship with someone who I’ve only known a couple of months. Since lockdown, we send brief messages weekly but nothing more.

I checked in and he told me a friend had died. I said I’m sorry to hear that and asked if he was okay (stupid question in retrospect), and he’s said he’s not doing very well and has been sleeping loads. And now I feel a bit out of my depth and not sure what to say. It would be weird if I offered practical support (and can’t anyway due to lockdown), we aren’t on ‘phone chatting’ terms, and even saying ‘I’m here to talk’ sounds hollow considering our relationship, but I really don’t want to offer empty platitudes either. I just wish I could give him a hug.

So what would you say?

To be honest, I’m not very at this anyway and find physical affection much easier.

I would suggest you just say you are thinking of him and wish you could give him a hug. It's honest and shows you care, in keeping with your usual relationship. If he replies in a way that suggests he'd like to talk more you can try.

offer a specific practical thing.

"thats really awful, I'm so sorry. If you aren't up to cooking would you like me to drop some meals on your doorstep? Would you like to Facetime at 7 o'clock?"

Thank you. I went the I wish I could give you a hug and thinking of you approach, but if you want to talk I’m here.
He has 100s of friends and a big extended family so I can’t imagine he’d really want to talk to me. But I do still care about him.