I have been to too many funerals in this life of mine, starting from a young age on up. Funerals are a very sore and sensitive part of life, for those of us that have attended them it can become a trigger word. I have known a decent amount of people that have never been to a funeral, I would like to send out some advice to those that never have been. These are the do not don'ts.

1. Don’t ever say “What is it like to go to a funeral?” Don’t ever ask this so bluntly and with little thought, especially to those that have recently lost a loved one. I remember running into this, having a friend at the time ask me what it was like because they have never been, I simply walked away for if I had stayed I might have decked them.

2. Do not boast about never having gone to a funeral or about not knowing what it’s like to lose a loved one. Chances are you are one of the very few in your circle of friends that has been this fortunate, don’t do this. It’s a good way of pushing people away, simply angers people and no one will confine in you because you are too busy not trying to relate.

3. Do not wear any other color then black. If y Don’t wear a red, white, blue, green or yellow dress. You may laugh and think who would do that, but I have known people that have done it and regretted it. It ends the wrong message to those that are grieving.

4. Don’t brag about how young your parents or grandparents are, chances are someone in your circle has old parents or grandparents and are worried about them dying in the back of their head. Some people may not admit that they worry and that it’s on their minds, but be mindful and have an understanding that not everyone shares the same situation like you.

5. When the time does come and you do go to a funeral due to losing someone, it’s okay to cry, and it’s okay to admit that you don’t know what to do. It’s easy to be tough, strong and act like nothing is wrong or affects you, but it’s hard to let people in, hard to let how you are feeling out.

These were the top four things not to say and do to people if you have never been to a funeral, the final one was what you should do when you do. Sadly funerals are a part of life, like the saying goes “The only promises in life are death and taxes.” My advice to you all is that while you mourn the loss of life, also rejoice. Remember and share the many memories that you created with that loved one, don’t be afraid to shed a tear when they come to mind. But remember the happy things and happy moments that they shared with you during their life.