Cheer up!

These  mistakes are like gravity. Even experienced caregivers are pulled towards committing these cardinal sins.

In my book How to Talk with Sick, Dying, and Grieving People: When There are No Magic Words to Say, I list them all. Today, let me share just one common mistake that tempts so many of us.

4. Cheering people up

Young people usually understand the emotional nature of difficult times better than older adults. I remember a young man who was a part of my youth group years ago. When he learned that his friend’s mom had died, he told us all he just wanted to punch the wall. Then, at the funeral service, he stood with his friend over to the side, just talking, and laughing.

That kind of ebb and flow of emotions is natural during grief.

Don’t try to cheer people up. Just ride the waves of emotion with them.

If they are sad, let them be sad. If they are happy let them  be happy!