The right (and wrong) things to say to a grieving friend

The article offers advice on how to support a grieving friend by sharing what to say—and what to avoid. Key tips include acknowledging the loss with empathy, saying things like “I’m here for you” or “I don’t have the right words,” and sharing memories of the deceased. It advises against using clichés or minimizing phrases like “at least they’re in a better place.” The article also stresses the importance of …

Navigating Taxes as a Widow: Understanding and Overcoming the Widow Penalty

woman-doing-taxes

Navigating the tax system can be a daunting headache even under normal circumstances, but for widows dealing with the emotional and financial aftermath of losing a spouse, it can feel overwhelming. At The Widow Collaborative (TWC), we understand these challenges and are here to offer support. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing the “widow penalty” (survivor’s penalty), designed to help you avoid unexpected tax increases and further financial …

Clearing the Fog: Understanding and Managing “Widow’s Brain”

A grieving woman with her head in her hands, experiencing "widow's brain" and emotional distress.

Grieving the loss of a spouse is one of the most profound and challenging experiences one can face. Alongside the emotional turmoil, many widows and widowers report experiencing cognitive difficulties often referred to as “widow’s brain” or “widow fog.” This term encapsulates a range of cognitive challenges, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and a general sense of mental fogginess. Understanding and managing these challenges is crucial for anyone navigating the …

Finding professional help for grief

The article offers guidance on choosing a grief therapist or counselor. It underscores the importance of prioritizing self-care and finding the right support during the grieving process, emphasizing that it’s normal to seek help and take time to find the right fit.

Dealing with grief when loss is sudden

The article addresses the complexities of coping with sudden loss and offers advice for processing grief. It also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and experiencing the various emotions that come with sudden loss, while also highlighting the significance of seeking support and understanding that closure might not be achievable in certain situations.

5 things young widows and widowers should know

The article offers guidance for young widows and widowers navigating the overwhelming experience of losing a spouse. It emphasizes the lack of preparation in society for handling such situations and provides five pieces of advice from experts and those who have experienced loss.

How to date again after the death of a partner

TWC finds this article interesting because it addresses the delicate and often complex emotions involved in considering dating after the loss of a spouse. It provides practical advice on how to approach dating, emphasizing self-discovery and the importance of being surrounded by supportive people, which can be particularly reassuring for someone navigating the grieving process and contemplating opening their heart again.

Terrible, Thanks For Asking.

Terrible, Thanks for Asking is more than just a podcast (but yeah, it’s a podcast). It’s a show that makes space for how it really feels to go through the hard things in life, and a community of people who get it. This is show by author Nora McInerny that lets real people get real honest about how they’re really doing. It’s sometimes sad, sometimes funny, and almost always both.

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