Welcome to Tea Time with Charli, where we talk about all things involving etiquette.
Hello Tea Timers, I hope you enjoyed your summer. This segment of Tea Time With Charli is dedicated to Darrell Balancier.
Today we’ll be talking about life event etiquette.
Social Media has become the common conduit for us to keep in touch with family and friends–sharing photos and posts about our life events. However, in good times or bad there is still a protocol. “Etiquette” still applies!
Many of us know what to do for a birthday, we send a “Happy Birthday/Meme,” we post a pic and it’s all good. But what do we do when someone has died? When is it ok to post Condolences?
You do not express your sympathies until the family has officially announced the passing of their loved one(s). DO NOT Post ANYTHING before the families official announcement! This includes, personal photos, old texts, etc.
Once the family has posted their announcement of a loved one passing and you decide to respond:
✦ Do not use popular cliches like he/she are in a better place, it was their time.
✦Think about what you are going to say and the impact it will have on the family
✦Ask permission of the family before posting funeral and repass details (the family may want a private service, with a select few)
✦Before you hit send/post read what you are about to say, think about it. And once again, If you find that your condolences aren’t genuine, or you are giving personal details about the cause of death or family business, Do Not Post.
During this time we want to support the families in their darkest hour, and celebrate the life of the deceased with dignity. Attending the funeral or memorial service is the customary way to show support, but for some funerals are understandably uncomfortable.
What is proper etiquette if you cannot or don’t want to attend a funeral? If you do not want to or cannot attend a funeral, it is not disrespectful. However, show your respect by letting the family know you are sorry you won’t be able to attend. You can further show your sympathies and support by doing one or more of the following acts:
✦Send a card and/or flowers (these can be sent at anytime).
✦Offer to bring food/care-package.
✦Help with housework.
✦Offer to babysit or pick relatives up from the airport.
✦Follow up after funeral with a call or visit (after life goes back to normal for everyone else).
