Have a personal tragedy? Too bad!

MommaCat 8-1999 ~ 9/21/15

So often this is today's view of other peoples tragedies for no other reason than people are so busy.  If you are a friend of someone who lost their pet, child, health, or even a divorce I bet anything you're at a loss of what to say or do!

How personal does one get in saying something if they're a business acquaintance vs personal friend? Does what you say even matter? What can you do to help the person past their grieving and remind them to live life? How soon is to soon to talk about the issue(s)?

First off always have to say I am not a Doctor of any sort! This advice is my own only and hope to help others who feel at a loss with the above questions. 

Because someone or something has passed does not mean you stop talking about them or the issues.  Respect the grieving person's desires and keep anything they tell you in confidence. In most cases people will appreciate your memories of the one they loved. One big time tip is remember this is never the time to bash the Ex even if your friend is doing it... at times people get back together and you will end up losing the friendship over it.

When someone is grieving be more compassionate if they snap at you about something silly we all express our grief in different ways. When unsure of your status with another person it's always a given it will be OK to express something in a more general nature vs gushing about it.

Be firm if it has gone on for a longer than normal period of time. Express your concerns directly to your friend, they will appreciate it. Make sure to keep inviting to your events thus reminding them that there is still life to be lived. Remember, what you type and say to the person grieving ALWAYS matters... Warmly, Tonie

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