I’m no expert at this. All I know is what I’ve drawn from my own experience and what I’ve learned from dozens of books, podcasts, and blogs over the past several months.
I’ve learned so much about grief that I never knew. I realized I was wrong about a lot of things prior to my own loss. Because we don’t talk about grief very often, there are so many misconceptions. Below I’ve compiled a list of some of those misconceptions along with truths I’ve learned. Many of the unhelpful things people say are true. They are true, but they don’t provide any comfort in the moment. People need to feel validated in their pain. Hope for the future or a purpose doesn’t make the present loss less painful. The best thing to do is to acknowledge your friend’s suffering. Then remember their loved one. Don’t be afraid to mention their name.
For those who have gone through loss, do you agree or disagree with anything on these lists? Is there anything you would add?
