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If your friend or relative has lost a loved one, you may feel unsure how to act. It can be difficult to do the right thing when all you want is to eliminate their pain. When it comes to proper funeral etiquette, there are three things you should keep in mind when your friend is grieving.

3 Tips for Comforting Someone Who Has Lost a Loved One

1. Recognize the Stages of Grief

Everyone deals with grief in their own way. However, most people go through a number of complex stages when they lose a loved one. These include denial, anger, depression, and acceptance. Recognizing which stage your friend is in may make it easier for you to support them at the funeral service and beyond.

2. Help Them Out

funeralIt’s crucial to offer emotional support while your friend is grieving, but you can also make a difference by helping them out. Instead of telling them to call if they need anything, offer specific assistance. For example, let them know you’ll bring them a hot meal, walk the dog, or watch their kids for them. Of course, you can also tell them you’ll be there if they think of anything else.

3. Continue to Check on Them

It’s important to be available for your friend during the funeral, but they’ll need emotional support in the weeks and months afterwards, too. Give them a call, send them an email, or meet them for lunch on a regular basis. If they want to talk about their loved one, be there to listen.

 

Do you have questions about funeral etiquette for a planned memorial service? Give Porto Funeral Homes a call at (203) 467-3000. This funeral home in New Haven County, CT, aims to simplify the mourning process, and they’re always available to talk. Visit their website for more information about funeral options.

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