Relationships are built on having similar views and life styles.  They are about having empathy and tolerance for others.  We need others to understand how important empathy for widows is because sadly those around us will no longer have similar views and life styles. If they have a better understanding of us, they can accept, respect and support us as widows.  People in our lives have many different positions and circumstances, and unfortunately, most will fail to appreciate how we are feeling. Without empathy for widows, without understanding and tolerance, it will be difficult to have harmony.  Unless it’s another widow, it is difficult for them to understand what it is like to be in our position and feel empathy for us. When we see widows grieving, facing setbacks, being lonely and sad, we should not be indifferent.  We should feel their anguish, not just because they are hurting, but because one day it may be our turn.  Therefore, we should practice empathy for widows as they try to take control of their emotionally unstable life. What do others think when we are talking about our late husbands?  Are we talking and they aren’t especially interested in our memories or fears?  Widows quickly realize that some friends and family members don’t want to hear us talk about our loss.  I wonder if it makes them uncomfortable or are they just bored.  We widows aren’t talking to get attention or sympathy, but because it brings our memories to life. Widows are very aware that they may be judged, evaluated and/or criticized for how they do or don’t grieve.  They also start to feel experiences of being avoided by people they know.  Widows notice that people who know about their loss do not approach them or if they do they don’t mention the widow’s late husband. It helps if instead of avoiding the subject of loss, they acknowledge it.  Just by saying, “I am sorry to hear about your loss”, shows empathy for the widow. Although widows sometimes want to be alone, more often they just want to be treated with empathy.  Sadly, we are never taught how to talk about grief and so are uncomfortable around those that have experienced a loss.  What widow’s want and need is to talk about their husbands, what happened and how they are feeling. Mary Francis, The Sisterhood of Widows Empathy for widows, the sisterhood of widows, widow support, grieving, how to grieve, grief, life of a widow, #thesisterhoodofwidows, #widow, #grief, #griefsupport, #widowsupport, #howtogrieve, #widowshelpingwidows