Did They Really Just Say That?

Finding Humor in Grief’s Awkward Moments

Grief is an unpredictable journey, filled with ups, downs and everything in between. And if you’ve lost someone close, you’ve likely encountered a series of well-meaning but misguided comments from people who just don’t know what to say. Maybe you’ve heard things like:

“At least they’re in a better place.”

“God needed another angel.”

“Everything happens for a reason.”

“You’ll find someone new.”

“You should be over this by now.”

I mean, seriously?! While most of these comments come from people with good intentions, they can still feel like a punch in the gut. In the moment, it’s hard not to feel angry, confused or hurt by the insensitivity. And trust me, you’re not alone in feeling that way. The truth is, people often don’t know what to say when faced with someone else’s grief, and they end up saying things that are downright cringe worthy. 

But here’s a thought: What if, instead of letting those comments get under your skin, you could laugh them off? I’m not saying that what people say isn’t hurtful, but if you can get to a place where you realize these remarks are often a reflection of someone else’s discomfort rather than your reality, it becomes easier to brush them aside. And sometimes, finding humor in the absurdity of it all can be incredibly freeing.

Imagine turning those awkward, unhelpful comments into a running joke—like a grief bingo card. Every time someone says something ridiculous, you can mentally check off a box and maybe even chuckle at the fact that, yes, someone really just said that to you. By shifting your perspective, you take back the power those words might have had over you. Instead of letting them sting, you let them roll off your back…and maybe even smile at the absurdity of how people think they’re helping.

Think of it this way: Sometimes, the best way to cope with the world’s awkwardness is to laugh at it. After all, laughing through the awkward, ridiculous moments can be a way of reclaiming joy during your grief. And joy doesn’t mean forgetting your loss or minimizing your feelings—it means choosing to lighten your load when and where you can.

So, next time someone hits you with one of those cringe-worthy comments, try to imagine it as part of life’s awkward comedy. You’re allowed to roll your eyes, to laugh, to know that their words don’t define your grief. In fact, if you can find the humor in those moments, you might just feel a little lighter—and that, in itself, is a gift.