Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Funeral Etiquette Question

28 replies

EllieQ · 17/10/2022 21:02

I’m trying to decide whether I should go to a funeral, and would appreciate the wisdom of MNetters.

My friend’s mum died last week, and I am trying to decide whether I should go to the funeral. I am torn as I did not know her mum very well, so me going to the funeral may seem odd. However, my friend went to my mum’s funeral, and that it meant a lot to me that she was there. Would you feel it was appropriate for me to attend?

A little more background: This is a friend from school. We have both moved away from our hometown, but she didn’t go far while I am over two hours away. She knew my parents quite well as she usually came to my house when we were teenagers (as it was just me at home while she had annoying younger siblings), so I didn’t know her mum that much.

It was easier for her to attend my mum’s funeral (back in my hometown) as it was only a short drive for her, while I’d have a longer journey. I’d only be able to stay for the day, so likely would only see her at the funeral itself. I still feel that I should go, but don’t want to be there if it’s inappropriate.

Disclaimer: some details have been changed in case she or a family member is on MN.

OP posts:
Ragwort · 17/10/2022 22:03

Yes I would go, I've been to quite a few funerals for school friends' DPs ... I knew their parents when we were all younger and even if I hadn't seen them for many years it felt the right thing to do.

EllieQ · 19/10/2022 10:53

Thanks everyone, I can be a bit of an over-thinker at times so it’s good to get other peoples opinions. It’s reassuring to know that it would be appropriate for me to attend even if I didn’t know my friend’s mum that well.

OP posts:
funnelfanjo · 19/10/2022 11:05

I’ve gone to funerals when I’d never even met the deceased, because I was there to support the bereaved, show respect and offer condolences. And from the other perspective, at my dad’s funeral I was enormously touched and comforted by the people who took the time and trouble to attend.

In my mind, it is rarely inappropriate to go to a funeral, unless you’re a funeral crasher there for the buffet or you’ve been actively asked not to attend for whatever reason.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread