"People will say the darnedest things" to the grieving | What not to say to your grieving person

This episode is about people who say the darndest things to people who have suffered the loss of a loved one.We live in a grief-averse society where big feelings and emotions are to be pushed away so we can move on with our lives.Because of this, we are often ill-equipped to care for the bereaved and grieving.The result?Grievers end up on the receiving end of hurtful and awful “advice” or “support” from often well-meaning, grief-illiterate people. What some consider support, the grieving experience as painful words that slice our healing wounds wide open again.In short, it causes unnecessary suffering to those of us already doing our best to survive the tragedy of loss.I asked the @griefandlight Instagram community: “What have people told you after your loss that was unhelpful or painful?”You may be shocked at the answers received.Each one of their answers reveals some of the preconceived notions that non-grievers have about the grieving based on their particular loss, and this is what adds suffering to an already painful situation.I also share a personal story of the day we met "John" at the funeral home where we held my brother's memorial, and the advice he shared as a grieving father himself.Please note that it may be challenging to listen to this episode if you are in a tender stage of grief. Feel free to pause and return to it if/when you can. Thank you for being here.Nina - Yosef's SisterNina Rodriguez Social & Website:Instagram: @griefandlightThreads: @griefandlightWebsite: griefandlight.comWays to Work with MeSubscribe to my newsletterDisclaimer: https://www.griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers#griefandlight #griefandlightpodcastWant to sponsor an episode? Contact us via [email protected] us Fan MailSupport the showGrief and Light is an award-winning, independent podcast exploring the honest, messy, and deeply human experience of loss. We're on a mission to foster a more grief-informed, hopeful world, one conversation at a time. 🏆 Ear Worthy Best Life Lessons 2026 · TalkDeath Readers' Choice Best Podcast 2025 · Women Who Podcast Awards 2025 Winner · Podground Editor's PickNew episodes wherever you watch or listen.Connect with Nina Rodriguez:griefandlight.com@griefandlightResting Grief Face on SubstackThank you for listening! If this conversation resonated with you:✅ Share this episode with someone who needs it✅ Follow Grief and Light so you never miss a conversation✅ Leave a review! It helps this podcast reach more heartsDisclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers