HOW TO RESPOND WHEN A FRIEND, A LOVED-ONE OR A FAMILY MEMBER LOSES A PERSON THAT THEY CARE ABOUT

IT’S BEEN SAID THAT the only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes. Taxes have extensive rules and regulations, while death has nothing of the sort. What are the rules when it comes to interacting with someone who has lost a loved one? You’ve probably been there. You get the call or hear the news that a close friend or family member has experienced the death of a loved one. It could be a parent, sibling, significant other, or a child. What do you do in that moment? Some will jump right to action, driving directly to the bereaved’s house with no notice or invitation. Others will send a quick text with a common line like, “Just call if you need anything.” Still others will make their way to the kitchen to try to make something that will bring some comfort to those who have experienced a loss.

While most people have only the best of intentions in these situations, not all responses to grief are welcomed or appreciated by the bereaved. A visit that lingers too long or an inconsiderate statement has the potential to create resentment and even ruin relationships. Perhaps you have had your own experiences with grief and having someone say or do something that rubs you the wrong way. When someone close to you experiences grief, what should you say? What should you do? What would have the most meaningful impact?

Grief is an incredibly complex experience that everyone handles differently. While there cannot be a definitive guide on how to handle every interaction with a grieving person, this book offers numerous perspectives from the personal experiences of people who have endured different types of loss. The wisdom and insight gained from thoughtful interviews of those who have lost parents, siblings, children, and/or significant others will bring a new understanding of grief etiquette that you can apply in your own inevitable interactions with bereaved people. This includes things like when and how long you should visit, what to say and what NEVER to say, what gestures are most meaningful, the best ways to help, and how to comfort someone in grief.