Hard Times
When Times are Tough a Little Guidance can go a Long Way
Etiquette can be a guide at some of the most challenging times in life. Death and illness are a part of life and how we handle and manage relationships is critically important when we are faced with adversity. Planning a funeral, visiting a friend in the hospital, caring for a sick relative or writing an obituary can feel scary. Fortunately, people have done all these things before and we have guidance for managing grief as well as the details of life that come up at these transitional moments.
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What to Say to Someone Who Is Grieving
What do I say to someone who has suffered a loss and is experiencing grief? How do I offer condolences?…
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Manners Matter Even More in Hard Times
No matter the type of person you tend to be in a crisis, stress often leads to rudeness which can easily…
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How to Help When Someone is in the Hospital
We're often struck by an urge to "do something" when we hear about a friend, colleague or family member…
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How to Plan a Hospital Visit
Being in the hospital can be hard for patients, and they often look forward to visits from family and…
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Preparing for a Funeral
As they have in every culture from the beginning of time, the rituals observed after the death of a loved…
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Giving a Eulogy
As a close friend or a family member, you may be asked to write and give a eulogy at a funeral. It is…
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Bereavement Questions and Answers
During times of grief, everyone wants to say or do the right thing, the loving thing, the appropriate…
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Receiving Visitors During Times of Grief
Here are some tips for mourners visiting bereaved family as we as receiving visitors during times of…
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Important Considerations When Arranging a Funeral
When arranging a funeral, remember to consider ushers, eulogists and readers, programs, and an honorarium…
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Funeral Etiquette: Donations In Lieu of Flowers
When the notations “in lieu of flowers, please…” or “contributions to xyz would be appreciated” appear…
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Funeral Etiquette: At the Service
If ever there were a time for decorum to be upheld, it is at a funeral, memorial, or graveside service.…
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Religious Customs at Funerals
Funeral and burial traditions for Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu faiths.
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After the Funeral
The first year of mourning after a death brings many changes. Here are a few things to expect.
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Sympathy Flowers
With their beauty, color, and scent, flowers serve as grace notes during the mourning period, whether…
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Breaking Up
Ending a relationship well may seem impossible, but it can be done if both people stay true to the principles…
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The Etiquette of Separation
Separation raise practical questions about names, titles, rings, and social invitations. Here are tips…
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Practicalities After a Divorce
The practical aspects of divorce include making some necessary changes to names and addresses. It's also…