Should I Go To the Funeral?

A funeral is a somber event that allows for the person’s family to achieve a sense of peace while grieving their loss. To ensure the utmost respect is paid to the family at this time, it’s important to carefully consider your presence at the event. In this article, we’ll take a look at the questions to consider when analyzing whether you should go to a funeral.

Reasons Why You Should Attend a Funeral

For those who have been invited to the funeral, it’s often important to attend the event as a way of supporting the family through the grieving process. The family has specifically invited you, and this means you’re obligated to attend. While you might be uncomfortable going alone, it’s considered appropriate to bring a close friend. The family will prefer having one more person at the funeral than one fewer.

Reasons to Not Attend the Funeral

While you might want to go to the funeral, if you believe your presence may make others uncomfortable, it’s important not to attend. If you feel your involvement with the decedent had an adverse impact on their family, you may wish to mourn your loss privately and allow the family this time to pay their respects.

If You’re Still Feeling Conflicted

You may still feel confused on whether you should attend the funeral. This is natural, as it’s an important decision and one that only you can make. If you’re still conflicted, try to consider the following:

• How will you feel a year from now?

Will you wish you had attended the funeral or will you be glad you stayed home? By considering the future, it can give an insight into how you’re feeling at this time.

• Can You Speak to the Family About It?

One of the best ways to come to a resolution on this issue is to speak to the family of the decedent or others who knew the person and their family well. This will help you to discuss the process with someone familiar with all sides of the discussion.

• Is There a Better Way to Pay Your Respects?

If you choose not to attend the funeral, you may still be able to pay your respects to the person by visiting their grave or by donating to their favorite charity. By considering all possible options, you can ensure you retain your own comfort while making the right choice for all involved.

It’s not always an easy decision to make, but by following the guidance in this article, you can decide whether to attend that upcoming funeral event. To learn more, speak with our team directly.