Keeping it Together: This trend inspired me to talk more openly about death
Death is something that sparks fear and brings up painful memories for many. But I recently learned that conversations around this topic are starting to change.
This week I spoke to experts about a shift that's happening around our comfort with talking about end-of-life wishes, loss, grief and more issues related to death.
From new technologies like apps that help you navigate the death of a loved one to new professions like death doulas that help guide families through loss, our society's view of death as a topic that shouldn't be spoken about until absolutely necessary is shifting.
Awareness and support around dying has led to things like prolonged grief becoming a distinct, diagnosable disorder as well as employers recognizing the need for bereavement support services.
But we've just begun to scratch the surface. When it comes to talking about grief, experts says there’s a lot more we need to be doing.
What was so eye-opening – and comforting – to me was how beneficial these conversations can be both for myself and my loved ones.
By understanding and preparing for this unavoidable event ahead of time, it can make everyone feel at ease and take away extra stress whenever that challenging time does come.
This has inspired me to talk more openly with my loved ones about their end-of-life wishes so that it doesn't go undiscussed until it's too late.
To learn more about why this shift is happening now and some of the people and resources helping lead this trend, click here to read my full story.
Is this kissing trend worth trying?
If you’re on TikTok, you may have noticed that people are kissing their best friends and filming their reactions. This trend has a hashtag – #kissingmybestfriend – and it's garnered more than 1 billion views.
In this week's column, Sara Kuburic, the Millennial Therapist, breaks down whether it's wise to give this trend a try. Here's a snippet of what she suggests:
If you have feelings for your best friend, before broaching the topic (or kissing them) it may be helpful to do some soul searching.
Is this really what you want? Is this desire driven by boredom or sheer proximity? Are you both single? Are you looking for the same thing?
While it's not uncommon for friendships to turn into romantic relationships, it’s not always the easiest transition.
Many friends are faced with the following concerns:
- Will the physical spark/intimacy be there?
- What if we break up and ruin the friendship?
- Does this person know too much about me?
- How will our other friends feel about us dating?
In order to preserve the relationship, it’s important not to place expectations or ultimatums. Respond gracefully regardless if they don’t feel the same way. If they want to remain friends, you may need some time and space, but at least they will know why you are taking it.
What should you do if they have reciprocal feelings? Click here to read the full story.
When do I end thing with my un-romantic boyfriend?
In our latest advice column, a reader wrote in: "My boyfriend and I have been dating for six years now... When we started dating it was amazing. He was the most romantic and best boyfriend ever. I was obsessed with him and felt like the luckiest girl in the world. That being said, as time went on and we went to university, he stopped wanting to be intimate with me as much as usual, stopped buying me flowers, hasn’t taken me on a date in about four years and rarely compliments me. Any time we are intimate it’s because I’m initiating it, and most times he will shut me down about four times before agreeing and wanting to do anything.
I feel like his lack of romance has given me doubts and driven me to have body issues and be somewhat insecure. At this point I’m not sure what to do as I’ve told him how I feel and it’s always 'I’m working on it,' but there has been little-to-no progress, and I’m not sure I can continue to feel this way for another year. What should I do?"
Read our advice columnist's response here.
Today's reads
- Britney Spears says pregnancy is 'hard' because of past perinatal depression. What is it?
- 'I hadn't seen roles like this': TV strives to give autism the accurate portrayal it deserves
- Our colleague can't stop buying Haggadahs for her Seders. Here's why she's obsessed with collecting them
- For Easter dessert, try carrot cupcakes with chocolate cream cheese frosting
- In case you missed it: Why do some abusive parents only target one child?
- This week's medical advice column: The dos and don'ts of going to the ER
Today's pets
Meet Maizie and Norman.
"These two crazy pups bring so much joy and laughter to me and my husband," writes Chandra Crawley. "There’s never a dull moment in our house, that’s for sure."
I'm a huge French bulldog lover, so I'm obsessed with your adorable pups!
Thanks everyone for reading! Do you have cute pet photos to share? Please send them to our email here so we can feature them in an upcoming newsletter!
Wishing you all the best,
Sara Moniuszko