Grief Pettiness and the Pivot: Rebecca Feinglos on Navigating Grief Etiquette
"I think it's important to name the feelings that we have as grievers that we think we're totally crazy for. But, like, you're not crazy. Everyone else is thinking these things too.”
In this bite-sized episode of Grief'd Up, host Rebecca Feinglos dives into the raw and often unspoken realities of grief. With a background of personal loss, Rebecca—a certified grief support specialist and founder of Grieve Leave—shares her insights on the universal experience of grief and the social dynamics that accompany it.
Rebecca introduces two unique concepts: "grief pettiness" and "the pivot." These terms, born from her own experiences, encapsulate the emotions we often feel but struggle to articulate. She candidly discusses the tendency to keep mental tabs on who acknowledges our grief and who doesn't, a phenomenon she dubs "grief pettiness." This honest exploration reveals that many of us are not alone in our feelings of disappointment when expected support doesn't materialize.
The conversation then shifts to "the pivot," a term Rebecca uses to describe the awkward moment when someone reaches out months after a loss, only to segue into asking for a favor. Through humorous and poignant anecdotes, she highlights the discomfort these interactions can cause and offers guidance on how to avoid them. Her advice? A simple message of condolence at the outset can prevent these awkward exchanges and provide much-needed support to those grieving.
Join Rebecca as she normalizes these aspects of grief, encouraging listeners to embrace open communication and understanding. Her stories and reflections offer a compassionate perspective on how to navigate the complexities of loss and support those who are grieving. _____________________________________
Follow for more resources:
● Instagram: @grieveleave
● Website: grieveleave.com
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