Losing someone you love can feel like the world has shifted beneath your feet. It’s confusing, heavy, and deeply personal. Yet one of the hardest parts of grief is realizing that no two people experience it the same way. While some cry openly, others stay quiet. While some dive into work, others withdraw completely. There is no "right" way to grieve, and that’s okay.

At Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations at Frisco, we walk alongside families every day, and one thing is clear: grief doesn’t follow a script. It follows the heart. Here’s why your grief may look different from someone else’s and why that difference matters.

Many people ask, "How long will this last?" The answer is: as long as it takes. Some find peace after a few months. Others still feel waves of sadness years later. Neither is wrong. According to the American Psychological Association, “normal” grief can last from six months to two years following a loss, and feelings of grief may “come and go” over time, fluctuating in intensity (Grief | Main Line Health, n.d.).

That experience is normal. Grief doesn’t vanish on a set date. It evolves.

Each person carries a unique relationship with the one they lost, and that connection influences how grief appears. Consider these factors:

1. Relationship to the deceased
   Losing a parent, sibling, spouse, or friend impacts us in different emotional ways. The deeper or more complicated the bond, the more layered the grief.
   

2. Age and stage of life
   A teenager grieving a parent will have a different experience than a retired spouse mourning their life partner.
   

3. Cultural or religious background
   Some communities emphasize public mourning, while others encourage private reflection.
   

4. Support systems
   People with strong emotional support may find it easier to process their grief, while those who feel isolated may carry it longer or more intensely.
   
   

5. Personality and coping style
   Some people feel better talking things through. Others need quiet time, journaling, or physical outlets like walking or gardening.
   
   

Grief isn’t always sadness. It can also look like:

• Irritability or anger
  

• Trouble sleeping
  

• Lack of concentration
  

• Fatigue or exhaustion
  

• Feeling numb or detached
  
  

You may even find yourself laughing or feeling joy, which can bring on guilt. But this too is normal. Laughter, like tears, can be a release. It doesn’t mean you aren’t grieving.

"Grief is like a wave. Some days you’re standing in calm water. Other days, it knocks you off your feet."

In our digital world, it’s easy to compare grief. You may see others posting tributes, moving forward, or "doing better" and wonder if you're falling behind. But grief isn’t a competition. You are not meant to match someone else’s pace.

Some people plan a memorial right away. Others need time. Some return to work quickly. Others need extended space. The key is recognizing that your way is valid, even if it looks different.

That’s why grief support should never be one-size-fits-all. A few ideas that have helped others:

• Writing letters to the person who passed
  

• Creating a memory table or keepsake
  

• Joining a grief support group
  

• Practicing quiet rituals like lighting a candle daily
  

• Talking to a counselor, pastor, or friend
  
  

The most important thing is finding what brings you peace.

When two people are grieving the same loss, such as siblings, spouses, or friends, their reactions may differ. That can create tension or confusion. Try to:

• Avoid phrases like "You should be over it by now."
  

• Respect their quiet, even if you want to talk
  

• Offer support without pushing for a certain response
  

• Understand they may process emotions in private
  
  

At Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations at Frisco, we offer grief support resources that meet you where you are, not where others think you should be. From interactive aftercare videos to daily affirmations and grief guides for children, our tools are designed for real people with real emotions.

Whether you're a parent trying to support your children or a spouse learning to live with loss, our team is here with compassion and experience.

Grief doesn’t come with instructions. There’s no calendar that tells you when to feel better or how to act. And that’s okay. Your process is yours alone, shaped by your love, your memories, and your journey.

If you or someone you love is grieving, take the time you need. And remember, there is support. You don’t have to go through it in silence or solitude.

At Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations at Frisco, we’re here to walk with you through every step with dignity, guidance, and care. Reach out to learn more about our grief support options.

Grief | Main Line health. (n.d.). Main Line Health. https://www.mainlinehealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/grief