If your relationship with the person who died was problematic, a special approach is needed to cope with your reaction. Not everyone close to us has a positive influence on our life. If the relationship was difficult, ask yourself if there is anything worth saving. Were there times when things went well. You might find good memories to hold on to.

This is not always possible. When relationships have been difficult, we grieve also for the complex losses such as what could have been and the lost opportunity to heal the relationship. You might also find yourself struggling with feelings of betrayal.