I'm going to a funeral next week on my own

[Namechangeforthisonenow]

I feel a bit weird and uncomfortable about it.

It's my friends brothers funeral, I only met him twice but she's a good friend of mine and I'd feel wrong if I didn't go.

I feel weird about it, obviously no one likes funerals but I think it's because I'm going alone that's making it worse. I'm always self conscious anyway.

Not sure what the point of my post is really but just want some advice. Shall I just linger at the back, to pay my respects?

Does your friend know you will be attending? Perhaps she would introduce you to other members of the family before the service begins, if you asked her.

You are a good friend to attend and be supportive.

Most funerals I've been to the immediate family are not there until the coffin enters, so no opportunity to speak beforehand. There are usually ushers at the venue who can guide you as to where to sit. Sit near the back . Afterwards you will leave after family and can look at flowers and see family then.

Well sit towards the back obviously as you are not one of the main mourners. And pay your respects to the main mourners, his parents, wife, children etc. Say something like you were so sad to hear, he seemed like a great person.Then exchange a few words with your friend unless she's too busy. Likely one of them will ask if you are going to the reception, so have an excuse ready if you don't want to. Hope all goes well for everyone.

I attended a funeral last week on my own. A mum whose 2 boys are the same ages as my eldest and youngest. I hadn't seen her for a good few years but her eldest was so kind to mine when they were at Primary school together and we had our youngest babies days apart. I was so saddened to hear of her death but as I didn't know anyone else I just attended the funeral to pay my respects (sat at the back) and didn't go on to the wake afterwards. I was really nervous about going but am glad I did.