When your partner loses a loved one or someone particularly meaningful in their life, it can pose challenges to your relationship. While one partner may be grieving deeply, the other should move into a more supportive role.
How can partners better understand and get through the grieving process? How can a partner best provide support?
Your ability to provide exceptional support for a grieving partner starts with a good understanding of the grieving process and its impact on the affected individual. It should first be understood that there are generally accepted stages of grief. Grieving is a process unique to each individual.
The impacts of grief can be manifested emotionally, physically, and behaviorally.
Emotions can include wide mood swings that can range from laughter to uncontrollable sobbing. Physically, a grieving partner may experience nausea, headaches, sleeplessness, and aches. Partners may exhibit unusual behaviors, like becoming a bit distant or uncommunicative.
Understand that these may be symptoms of grief, not a reflection on your relationship.There are steps you can take to demonstrate your affection for your partner.
Demonstrate Your Support
You may not be able to “fix” things, but you can let them know you are there for them. Allow them room to grieve while being there for them.
Don’t Rush Them
Grief has its own schedule for each individual. Don’t set parameters or a schedule for your partner to grieve.
Listen Closely
Being supportive can have more to do with how you make them feel as opposed to what you say. Listen attentively and respond with love and support.
Avoid Being Judgmental
Since everyone processes grief in their own way, avoid being judgmental about how your partner is responding to the death. Be patient, understanding, and supportive.
Grief Can Be Unpredictable
Each day may have both positive and negative aspects. Be prepared for what could be a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Be available as much as possible.
Help with Routine Tasks
You can show your support by taking on routine or mundane tasks. Help relieve the everyday pressures they may be facing.
Help Keep Them Involved
You can support your partner through the grieving period by helping them regain their involvement with daily activities, hobbies, and friends. This could start cautiously with coffees or dinners for two and eventually include more friends and more diverse activities like attending movies or sporting events. Be cautious, however, not to force the issue.
Help Them Find Additional Support
The support of those close is critical for those grieving, especially those who are partners.
It can mean a reversal of roles in some cases. It is important for all to remember that grief is unique and can be eased by caring individuals who are there to listen.
If you are in search of a funeral home or cremation services in Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky, we would be honored to serve you. Reach out to us at Fares J. Radel Funeral Homes and Crematory with your questions.
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