Interpersonal Skills Stack Exchange
Interpersonal Skills Stack Exchange

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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10 answers

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. Coworker: Actually, it's a good thing. He's been…
Thunderforge
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5 answers

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 hasn't really talked to me too much about her. Some…
patch
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35
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2 answers

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. Is it appropriate to ask for the text of the…
paj28
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5 answers

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 serious relationship (she's 20 and I'm 21). By “serious”…
Nico
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20
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4 answers

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 and she started worrying and crying intensely.…
Hakaishin
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15
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5 answers

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 to say after the first condolences? I mean, I…
Felipe Gavilán
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14
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4 answers

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 something that can be replaced, unlike e.g.…
Tinkeringbell
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14
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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 family, which were always good and friendly to me,…
Far
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13
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3 answers

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 have screwed up over the phone (and I didn't mean to…
user145
12
votes
3 answers

Should I ask about a colleague's obvious problem, even when I don't care much?

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 returned to normal. I have a feeling that it would be…
gerrit
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12
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5 answers

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 months ago, leaving her all alone (the mother…
rumtscho
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11
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1 answer

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 have been really lacking in some areas, mostly…
beginner
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11
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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? What is the proper etiquette to follow in a…
Belle
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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 they met up again, he was married so they became…
SeriousBri
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2 answers

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 time off to deal with the situation. We would like…
Pete Dermott
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