What should I do when I visit my dying friend?

What to do about a dying friend. Basic, everyday manners.

In the scope of human experiences, death, and grief is the most painful and confusing. The finality of it and for those left behind, it can be overwhelming. What to do? What is the most proper and kind behavior when visiting the dying and their families? What follows is just one of those dilemmas.

Dear Polite One,

I've just looked up an old friend and found he is dying! I'm at a loss at what I should do. Hospice is with him daily now. What should I do when I visit my dying friend?

Thank you so much.

Wishes to do the right thing

Dear Wishing to do the right thing,

My condolences. It must be very difficult to reunite with your friend at such a painful time. I don't know, and perhaps you don't either, what his family situation is. I'm not sure about how much hospice is doing either. But typically, visitors bring ready-cooked meals to the family. We're not sure if there is family living with your friend. So, that might not be an option.

Sometimes, visitors will offer to stay with the dying person so the family can rest. Again, this might not be an issue here, especially with hospice in place.

So, perhaps in this case, it is best to just take your love and caring for your friend. This may be what is needed most. He/she may just want to see your happy smile.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

What to do about dying abusive dad?

Rules: thank you notes, sympathy letters, wedding enclosures...

Comments

What is California Cocktail Attire?

Dear Polite One , What is California cocktail attire? Thank you, Confused Dear Confused , There is no such thing. At times, it feels as if hosts just like to make these things up to confuse their guests. I’m sure that’s not the case. Still... Many hosts try to create a “feeling,” or more appropriately, “set the stage” for an event. So, they will incorporate a well-known attire category with a word that describes that elusive stage. This leads to the confusion we both feel since neither of us can actually see inside their minds. So, I suggest going with slightly laid-back cocktail attire, which typically is the suit for men and the little black dress or its equivalent for women. Perhaps skip the tie and accessories that appear expensive. Additionally, it is appropriate to call the host and ask for clarification. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to Decode a Dress Code Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove

How to address a divorced woman? Mrs or Ms?

Dear Polite One, Should I use "Mrs." or "Ms." when sending correspondence to a divorced woman? Wondering from Kansas Dear Wondering from Kansas, Both Mrs. and Ms. are proper when addressing a letter to a divorced woman. If you choose to use Mrs., you will use her first name and last name: Mrs. Jane Brown. However, Ms. is the most common title for women these days, because marital status does not define any of us. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Too late to send an invitation to Bat Mitzvah? How to reschedule a retirement party? Mother-in-law added names to the guest list!

3 Most Asked Questions About Listing Doctors on Envelopes

How to List Doctors on Invitation Envelope? Dear Polite One , How does one address an envelope for the two following scenarios? 1) The wife is a physician, but the husband is not. 2) Both the wife and husband are physicians, and she used her maiden name. Lots of Doctors Dear Lots of Doctors, The doctor and husband: Doctor Jane and Mr. John Smith The doctor couple: Doctor Jane Jones Doctor John Smith Most sincerely, The Polite One What is the Proper Salutation for Doctor Couple? Dear Polite One , How do you write the correct salutation when both the husband and wife are doctors? Doctors All-Around Dear Doctors All-Around, If you are close friends, you would use their first names. If this is a formal or business letter, you would use the title doctor for both: Doctors Smith, Doctor Sam Smith, and Doctor Tina Smith, or Doctors Tina and Sam Smith. Most sincerely, The Polite One Don’t Know Husband’s Name and the Wife is a Doctor! How to

Got Etiquette Advice?

Search This Blog