723: Should I Relive the Drama of Childhood Trauma? | Feedback Friday

Practical Support

When supporting a spouse who is grieving, it's crucial to be present and offer practical help. Jordan Harbinger suggests sitting with your spouse, inviting them to talk about their friend, and helping with small tasks like setting up the house or coordinating with friends 1. He emphasizes that you don't need to manufacture emotions, as this can come off as insincere. Gabriel Mizrahi adds that simply asking your spouse what they need can be very helpful 1.

   

Empathy

Expressing empathy during a mourning period involves simple, genuine gestures. Gabriel Mizrahi shares a personal story about how small acts of kindness from friends and family made a significant impact during his grandmother's funeral 2. He advises that showing up and doing what needs to be done is often enough. Jordan Harbinger agrees, noting that the most valuable support might come months after the initial loss, when everyone else has moved on 2.