Don’t let death become a spectre you ignore
THE three most difficult conversations to have, according to Co-op Funeralcare, are telling someone a loved one has died, telling a loved one about a terminal illness or consoling a loved one after someone has died.
Each of these subjects is harder to talk about than ending a relationship, telling your children about the birds and the bees, or discussing money with your partner. And none of them is easy.
Two-thirds of us regret not telling someone we love how much they meant to us before they died.
One-third of us believe that we have a problem talking about death in this country.
David Collingwood, head of operations for Co-op Funeralcare, reckons that we need to overcome our fears and broach these subjects as soon as we can with our friends and family, especially when it comes to making funeral arrangements.
He said: “Many of us are avoiding talking about the important topics because we feel they are too difficult to broach.
“While they are often emotive subjects, just think about how many issues could be resolved if we tackled them face-to-face?
“That is why we want to get people talking about their wishes for later life now, as it is better to have the conversation than to be left with regrets.
“It also means that if these needs are talked about now, it can remove some of the emotional pressures of planning a funeral.”
TV star Nadia Sawalha has a track record of getting the nation talking.
She said: “I know how important it is to have these tough conversations.
“Like millions of us, I’ve experienced loss.
“Though it may seem like there’s never a good time to have difficult conversations, it can be easier than you think.
“Talking to a loved one in a way you know they’ll understand and making sure you’ve got enough time is the best approach.
“It’s not easy talking about death but if you know your own wishes and you tell your loved ones about them now, it can make things much easier for those who care about you at what is already a really sad time.”