GIVING SPACE

If you have a friend who is newly grieving after a loss, then you understand how difficult it can be. Not only are they consumed by difficult emotions, but they may also seem like a different person for some time. One of the best things to do in this type of situation is to remain supportive, yet many people struggle to understand how to do so when their friend is requesting space. Fortunately, we are going to break down how you can effectively give your friend the space they need while also remaining supportive. Our cremation services in Bethpage, TN are affordable and highly recommended! Give us a call or stop by for a visit to learn more!

Go at Their Pace

When dealing with a friend who is experiencing grief, it’s important that you remember to go at their own pace. What this means is that no matter your own personal feelings, you should always respect where they are specifically in their grief journey. So, even if you feel like they’ve been grieving for a long time, this does not mean that you should begin pushing them out of their comfort zone or initiating conversations that they may not be ready for. Remember, everyone experiences grief in their own unique way so it is pointless to assume that everyone should progress at the same pace as someone else. We suggest giving them space if they ask for it and engaging in conversations that they feel comfortable with. However, if going at their own pace means that they want to be completely left alone for some time, then you’ll have to respect those wishes as well. While it can be worrisome to see a friend of yours isolate themselves, giving yourself alone time after a traumatic event is a great way to process difficult emotions.

Speak Openly

One of the biggest mistakes that a lot of people make when attempting to console a grieving friend is to tiptoe around certain words or topics. While you may not want to be the first one to bring up the death of their loved one, if your friend has initiated the conversation then there is absolutely nothing wrong with continuing with it. This means that if they’ve started talking about the loss of their loved one, you should absolutely feel free to engage in the conversation as well. A mistake a lot of people make is avoiding using certain words such as ‘death’ or ‘dying’ for fear that it will offend or make the other person uncomfortable. Truthfully, what would make your friend even more uncomfortable is you being afraid to speak openly and bluntly with them as they are your friend and not some stranger. It’s always best to act and communicate as naturally as possible. Again, so long as you remember to go at your friend’s pace, then there is nothing that can go wrong. 

Keep Reaching Out

If your friend has become a recluse of sorts in their grief, then it’s important to respect their wish for space, however, this does not mean you should disappear altogether. We suggest giving them their space while also frequently making it known that you are available to talk and to offer support whenever they may need it.

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