Girl Judged For Not Attending Funeral For Someone That She Feels She Wasn't Necessarily Close To

Welcome back to another Reddit post we'll be looking into. We are here with another post from the AITA thread that we love so much. This thread is the perfect place to seek unbiased advice and opinions on your situation.

Sometimes, you have to ask the internet if you're wrong in a situation because it's hard to see if you are truly in the wrong when it's based on your personal circumstances. With that said, we are examining a post submitted by a woman who wants to know if she's wrong for not attending the funeral of a girl she knows.

She probably wouldn't feel any type of way if it weren't for this friend who keeps making her feel bad about her decision. Ultimately, when it comes to funerals, those are personal matters, and choosing to attend or not is also a personal choice.

OP was heavily judged by this friend for not attending the funeral and for keeping her plans with her boyfriend instead. If you're interested in looking into the full post and seeing all of the best comments that people left on her post, then keep on reading as we dive in and give you all the details.

OP begins by explaining her relationship with the girl who passed away and clarifying who exactly she is to her.

It seems that they weren't that close, but either way, attending a funeral is a personal decision.

Personal Choices and Social Expectations

The decision to attend a funeral can elicit a range of emotions, influenced by personal values and societal expectations.

Research indicates that individuals often grapple with feelings of obligation versus personal choice in such situations, reflecting deeper psychological themes of guilt and social conformity.

Understanding this conflict can provide insights into the girl's perspective and the pressures she may feel from her social circle.

It's clear that OP's best friend was a bit closer to the girl who passed away, but that has nothing to do with OP.

This is totally fair, though, because you're deciding based on the relationship you had with the person.

A social psychologist emphasizes that cultural norms often dictate how individuals should respond to death, leading to feelings of guilt for those who choose not to attend.

Studies show that these expectations can create inner turmoil, as individuals wrestle with their personal feelings versus perceived societal obligations.

Recognizing these pressures can help others navigate their own decisions with compassion.

This is when everyone finds out that the girl passed away, and her best friend learns about it as well.

OP then explains that she had plans with her boyfriend at this time and didn't feel she should change them because of the funeral.

Exploring Grief and Mourning Practices

Grief is a complex emotional process, and individuals experience it differently based on their relationships and cultural backgrounds.

According to research published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, mourning practices vary widely and can significantly affect how individuals process their feelings.

Understanding these differences can help family members and friends offer more appropriate support to those grieving.

Knowing this is definitely important because, either way, she probably wouldn't have wanted her there with him.

She gives us some examples of how her friend acts when it comes to OP's boyfriend.

Moreover, creating spaces for dialogue about grief can be beneficial for those feeling isolated in their experiences.

Experts suggest that support groups can provide opportunities for individuals to share their feelings and find solidarity with others facing similar dilemmas.

Research shows that these shared experiences can promote healing and emotional resilience.

This is when she finds out about the funeral and decides that she's not going to go.

On the day of the funeral, her friend texts her and asks if she will be attending, but OP responds by telling her no.

There weren't many responses here, but the ones that were present definitely stated that OP was NTA in this situation, and we have to agree with them. Losing someone is hard, but attending the funeral, or not attending, should be a personal choice and not something to be judged for.

This is how she ends her post, asking for advice on whether she's in the wrong for not attending the funeral.

The first comment was long and had a lot to say to OP about her decision not to go.

bantling00

Navigating Social Pressures in Grief

Understanding the impact of social pressures on decisions related to grief is crucial for providing support to one another.

Studies indicate that individuals often feel compelled to conform to societal expectations, which can lead to internal conflict when personal beliefs differ.

Encouraging open conversations about these pressures can help individuals feel more at ease in their choices, regardless of societal norms.

Some comments encouraged her to reach out in a way that feels comfortable but not to feel bad about not going to the funeral.

bantling00

Attending a funeral should be viewed as a personal decision and not something obligatory if you know the person.

Both-Ad1586

Psychological Analysis

This situation highlights the internal conflict many face when societal pressures clash with personal feelings. The girl's choice to abstain from the funeral may stem from her perception of the relationship's significance. I believe that fostering open discussions about grief can help individuals feel validated in their choices while also supporting those who may be struggling.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Ultimately, the decision to attend or not attend a funeral is deeply personal and often fraught with emotional complexity.

Research underscores the importance of understanding individual perspectives and the societal expectations that influence them.

Encouraging empathy and open dialogue can foster a more supportive environment for those navigating their grief.