Cities and places fill us with certain feelings. There’s a flair in the flavors and sounds of Miami fill us with the insatiable urge to dance, while a stroll through a leafy Chicago neighborhood makes us want to greet every passerby with kindness. We may not notice, but we can feel the spirit of a city, apparent in the way the locals greet each other, a certain resilience after defeat, or swelling pride after a hard-won independence. But how do we put that into words? One language may be (and often is) insufficient for all the cultures of the world. Words like the Serbian “inat” and the Danish “hygge” can express the heart of the cultures and their cities. Check out these beautifully hard-to-translate words here.
And, in the meantime, tell us about your signature moments using #goodcitiesproject
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Elizabeth Dunn on her Ted Talk.Image from YouTube video.
Volunteers at a food bank.Image via Canva - Photo by SolStock
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.