DEAR MISS MANNERS: I would like to know if there are some alternative phrases to use when someone shares various degrees of bad news. I know that “I’m sorry to hear …” is a colloquial way to express one’s sympathies, but I would like to express myself in a way that feels less apologetic. I know for death-related news, I can use “My condolences,” but that seems excessive for less intense events. What can I say when someone shares that they are sick (not deathly ill), had a breakup or just had a generally rough day? GENTLE READER: You are not apologizing when you say you are sorry that your fr…