After experiencing the loss of someone really close to me this summer, I felt like there were a few things that I wanted to address (mostly as a way to vent, but maybe also as a way to help someone out there) that are difficult to discuss in today's society.

The primary thing I learned is how emotionally constipated our culture is: We are taught to hide how we are feeling, to be independent, to never wear our hearts on our sleeves. And that has come with my experiences too: I have noticed that a lot of people in my life would rather say nothing at all than address the situation. Which, to some extent, is what I would prefer. But I have also noticed that in a lot of cases, I feel the need to bring my grandpa up in any and every conversation. Yet again, I never feel comfortable doing so because I don't want to make anyone else feel uneasy or awkward.

I was 2 months old.Madelyn Neal

So, to those who have relatives who have passed on, don't be afraid to talk to people about how you are feeling. Most of them would be relieved to have you express your emotions, and if they don't, then maybe they shouldn't be your friends in the first place. And to friends of those who have experienced loss: Don't be afraid to encourage them to talk about it. Sometimes, saying, "I'm here if you need me, please reach out," isn't enough because they won't reach out. Sometimes it's all they can do to act normally and get out of bed every day. A few words of kindness via text or message every once in a while go a long way because we truly feel alone in times like this.

But maybe one of the most important things that I have learned throughout this whole process of loss and missing someone I love is that there are a handful of few good people who will surprise you and who will make you feel so loved. Not only do they know the exact right thing to say, but they also epitomize the strength that you sometimes feel you lack. Confide in these people and let yourself linger in their safe embrace.

My grandmother, my mother and my aunt, among others, have been three sources of endless support for me, all while dealing with losses of their own. If anything, it has brought us closer together because we can confide in each other, and we don't feel the need to hide or temper what we are saying based on what others would like for us to say or how they would like for us to behave. We are just honestly and completely ourselves.

The truth is, it won't just get better, and the truth is, society puts this time limit on us to "get over it." You don't know how many people have implied that they can't believe that I'm still upset over it since it's nearly been two months.

Yes, this may seem like an incredibly depressing article, and one that is a little "off-brand" for what I normally post, but you have no idea how liberating it feels to finally confront the fast moving world and express how much I would like for it all to slow down. To those who have been with me at my worst, thank you. I'll get back to my best sometime soon, and you'll be the first to deserve to be there with me.

I think I was 2 years old in this.Madelyn Neal