Your not alone Mac!
I was not also good in showing empathy verbally and I find it cringe when someone do that to me.
Though deep inside, I felt that emotions, just I couldn't create the exact phrases to say.
Even this past week, my friend for decade, told me that her and partner for 9 years broke up (3rd party)
I know she's hurt but what to say 😭😭.?
At the end, told her to file a leave if she can and stay with me here at home for a while.
Me too! I felt that emotions but I am not quite expressive to verbalize them. And your approach is something I would have done as well as a friend rather than leaving a lot of words or even not saying things at all.