Questions tagged [grief]
Questions about interactions surrounding grief and death. The deceased can be an acquaintance, friend, family, or pet.
28 questions
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How to be less awkward at a funeral?
My aunt (my mother's only sister) died a few days ago. I was like "uh". Not that I don't care. I loved her. My problem is that I can't feel. I was sad but felt no sadness, like I was ...
- 953
3
votes
2
answers
454
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Offering help to an online friend who just lost their parent
A friend I met a few months ago over online classes recently (this morning, a few hours ago) lost their father. I live around 12+ hours away from them, so as much as I would like to I cannot go and ...
- 55
3
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1
answer
290
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How to keep offering support to someone in grief
A bit of history to explain our current relationship:
I met a person recently over a dating app, talked a bit and then met for a date which ended just as a friendly chat, and due to distancing there ...
3
votes
2
answers
501
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Is "I'm sorry" appropriate when offering condolence?
I think it's conventional to say "I'm sorry" when offering condolence -- for example, "I'm sorry to hear your mum died", or, "I was sorry to hear your mum died".
Although it may be conventional I ...
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11
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1
answer
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People assuming dead person's intentions
Background:
My mom died about 1.5 years ago of cancer.
I'm 31 and have always been a Mama's boy, I'm proud of it, I'm an extremely good cook, I can darn my socks and so on.
Since my mom died tho, I ...
- 111
6
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3
answers
2k
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How to decline attending a funeral
To set the scene my family are very strict on the idea of family and respect.
However, I do not wish to attend the funeral for a few reasons.
I did not visit this relative for at the very least five ...
- 213
35
votes
2
answers
5k
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Is it appropriate to ask for the text of a eulogy?
At a funeral there is usually a eulogy by family or close friend of the deceased. This usually covers interesting details of their lives. Unfortunately, just hearing it once means you'll miss things. ...
- 1,075
5
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1
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Is it acceptable to ask about visitation or memorial service for a funeral?
A family friend's wife died and they were very poor. I'm planning to call him soon, but I'm still hesitant about asking for visitation or memorial service.
The only reason I think it could be rude/...
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5
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3
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639
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How to express sympathy to a very great friend whose father is dying very soon?
Right now I am confronted with a difficult situation where I want to ask for your empathetic recommendation. The father of one of my very best friends strongly suffers on cancer and is dying very soon ...
- 51
13
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2
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1k
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How do express my condolences, when I couldn't show up at the funeral?
Two days ago, one of my old relatives passed away. His family lives 900km away and due to my job, I couldn't show up at funeral. Where I live it's important to show up.
I've thought of calling his ...
- 131
6
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1
answer
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Conveying wishes that someone's death was peaceful
I recently had an old friend and co-worker pass away. He was an incredible person but I know he was struggling with a lot of family issues and was very likely in a troubling area mentally and ...
- 173
12
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3
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8k
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Etiquette when someone’s birthday is on the same day as the funeral of one of their loved ones
Bob’s grandmother passed away last week. Her funeral is today. It is also Bob’s birthday today. I am attending the funeral. Obviously, I offer him condolences, but do I wish him a happy birthday too? ...
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0
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2
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339
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How do I comfort someone I love after their dad died? [closed]
The dad of the girl that I love died some days ago. And I just want to make her feel better but I don't know the words, if I need to let her vent.
I'm so cold talking with people about love because it'...
- 115
10
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2
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11k
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How do I talk to my partner who is still grieving her ex who committed suicide?
I am looking for some advice on a situation with a fairly new partner of mine.
To set the scene:
~10 years ago she was dating someone, first love etc. I think he moved away so it ended.
2 years ago ...
- 456
6
votes
2
answers
475
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What can I do to comfort an online friend who’s sibling just died?
I have an online friend whose little sister just passed away from congenital heart defects.
I don’t know this friend in person, and she lives 4 hours away from me so I can’t hop in the car and go ...
- 275
20
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4
answers
1k
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How to handle emotional expectation about an animals death, I do not fulfill?
I just experienced a difficult situation and I did not know how to react. My SO and me have a pet hamster that showed some worrying behavior and might have to be put down. She is very attached to him ...
- 1,515
2
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2
answers
618
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Prompt a person to invite me
Incident
Alice and I are relatives but not on good terms. Recently, Alice was bereaved and I got to know about it through a third person. With the kind of rapport that I have with Alice, I am sure ...
- 433
50
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5
answers
13k
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How to tell my GF I'm willing to listen her, but leaving her the option to say no?
About us
We are a European couple, I'm 23 male and she is 24 female, from Spain. We have been together for about 5 months.
Context
My girlfriend's mother passed away a couple of years ago, and she ...
- 635
7
votes
5
answers
3k
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What to do when a friend's close relative dies? [duplicate]
As a 17 years old, I have never had to face this unfortunate and sad situation before. My friend's grandad just died, what can I do to support him?
I live in Delhi, India . My friend comes from a ...
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12
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5
answers
3k
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How to act with a grieving person at a party?
A friend of mine celebrated his birthday a week after I graduated. I was seated on a table with a couple of mutual friends, and the host's neighbour. The neighbour is 18 and suddenly lost her father 3 ...
- 553
9
votes
2
answers
447
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How to ask if someone has suffered a bereavement?
I have a work colleague who I was expecting to be at work today but they haven't shown up.
I know that they are currently going through issues with their Father's health and may have to take some ...
- 191
2
votes
3
answers
368
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How do I deal with a partner who is more emotional than me? [closed]
I have a partner who is struck by life problems emotionally much more deeper than me. Whenever a setback or tragedy occurs, my partner cries about it and is sad for a long time. Although I have ...
- 21
22
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5
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6k
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How can I help someone over the loss of their dog?
I have a sad situation with my girlfriend; however, I think a bit of context is needed to know for better understanding.
We have been together for 3 months now and I am actually her first real ...
- 662
14
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Appropriate reactions to people who recently lost their pet?
I've only had this happen twice, but this morning my mom will be going to the vet to have my brother's pet rabbit put to death, because it is ill.
For me, a pet is just a pet, and nothing more. It is ...
- 34k
84
votes
10
answers
18k
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How do I respond when someone is glad their loved one's suffering will end soon due to death?
I recently had a conversation like this:
Coworker: I just wanted to let you know that I'm probably going to be out early next week. My father is on death's door.
Me: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
...
- 1,556
15
votes
5
answers
25k
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How to follow up with someone who lost a loved one?
My friend's dad died two days ago. I gave her my condolences that same day. My question is, should I check up on her on a interval basis? Like everyday, every two days, etc.? And what kind of things ...
- 253
13
votes
3
answers
5k
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How to enquire about someone after they learned bad news?
I learned a few hours ago that a friend's dad and step-mom had a life-threatening motorcycle accident.
I enquired about his state through SMS (I'm in another country right now) as I think I would ...
user145
11
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3
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Should I ask about a colleague's obvious problem, even when I don't care much? [closed]
A colleague has returned to work after spending several months away to take care of her ill child. During this time, I took over some of her duties. She has returned and responsibilities have ...
- 2,061