What I Know About Grief (Could Fill a Book)

How to interact with the bereaved, even when it's awkward AF. 

Grief. It’s such an odd subject, isn’t it? Like, hi, what does your body do when something fundamental to your existence is ripped from it?

I know enough about grief to know this: there’s no roadmap. No handbook. Not even a one-size-fits-all grief gift that can make everyone feel better. Instead, it’s one of those MFing things that continues to morph and shape shift with every person and experience – kind of like a frenemy or really desperate Tinder date.

I also know this, though: people are dying (no pun intended) to know what to say to the grieving. And how to help. And how to make sure you please, please don’t start crying when they swing by your office and see you staring at that picture of your dog, who just died.

Because they feel like they need to say something. That they’re insensitive dicks if they don’t. But, for the love of God, just don’t cry…

Having been on the receiving end of many well-meaning intentions and condolences, I have a few thoughts.