To think 'time to spoil mum on Mothers' Day' emails are insensitive

[0pheliaBalls]

Just that really. Every year my inbox fills up with them. I lost my mum twelve years ago and Mothers' Day itself can be difficult, let alone the run-up. Seeing cards and things in shops is hard too, but the constant barrage of emails feels somehow worse. Same with Fathers' Day - my dad died thirteen years ago. It must also very difficult for people who are estranged from their parents.

I know companies have to sell stuff but surely they could be a bit more sensitive about it?

Yes, I do lass.

If it bothers you that much set your spam filters higher. None of the crap marketing is directed at you personally and really if you are that affected by it you should.

Seriously yes it's horrid to lose a parent - my mum died just over a year ago and my dad is in a home never to come out so I have experienced it to - it isn't pleasant but life does go on and others get to enjoy what they still have.

Perhaps they do poppies I don't recall anyone on here mentioning it when mothers day gets mentioned Seems the marketing crap of mothers day is fine until one individual starts taking it personally.

Thanks for your replies everyone. I guess I was BU - I was having a rough day yesterday and getting a bit overemotional I think. To the PP who said I 'wanted something done' about it, I didn't say that and as i said I don't mean for a second that companies should stop advertising. I do think they could be more sensitive, though - for example, when signing up to mailing lists etc giving you the option to opt out of emails regarding certain events. I'm very careful with my email address so only usually get emails from companies I've signed up to, so it would be good if I had the option to change my preferences. I'm not 'offended' by stuff like this - I can't stand people who claim offence at the drop of a hat - it makes me sad, that's all

I wasn't the first person who mentioned that so not sure why you are picking on me. As others have said no-one will go through life without a bereavement

Im not "picking" on anyone, I replied as your comment sounded so cold and unfeeling. And if you had read the rest of mine you would see I agree with you about the second sentence.

when signing up to mailing lists etc giving you the option to opt out of emails regarding certain events.

I understand that, OP, and I'm sorry if I sounded harsh. It's just that, while stuff like that is easy for Hotel Chocolat, for the small business I work for it's not so quick, easy, or cheap to implement. And where does it end? How far down do we have to drill to avoid offence?

And sorry, but losing your parents is part of the natural order.

I can't believe someone said this. Cold.

I don't think there's a solution as commercially it's a big time for companies to make money, just delete and take a deep breath - or find a way to celebrate these days in your own way so you don't feel it's all a bit not applicable. I light a candle or buy flowers on Father's Day to mark the day and remember happy times.

DarthVadar as I said, I wasn't offended. I don't really 'do' offended. Offence aside though, it'd probably be in many companies' interests to have the option to opt out of emails relating to certain events - surely customers would prefer only getting emails that are relevant to them, for whatever reasons?

Ticketty I love the candle idea, I might do the same

Really tickety ? You must have missed the similar comments from others such as Yabu. Its the natural order that our parents die before us

I've never understood Mothers day, either as a daughter or a mother. It frankly makes no difference about how I feel about the loss of my mother.

It's just that, while stuff like that is easy for Hotel Chocolat, for the small business I work for it's not so quick, easy, or cheap to implement

Or you could just stop sending any spam at all.

My mum died in November and this will be my first Mother's Day without her. I don't mind the emails it's part of life. X

Scribbler, people opt in to receive our newsletters, how exactly is that spam? But thanks for your valuable contribution to the discussion.

I avoid Father's Day displays as my dad died four years ago. I can understand why Mother's Day can trigger bad feelings for those who have lost their mother.

I do see your point OP, I lost my mum before I had my own dcs, however now it's turned around as it is the only 'day' that doesn't fall into wifework so dh actually has to do something for once.

Our school steers around these days as well, as there are several fosterchildren (very small school, less than 40 pupils). Everybody seems to understand.

For me this year is a triple.. Mum's birthday, 2nd anniversary of her death (yes she died on her birthday) & Good Friday all fall on the same day (Easter was always a time we were together). I've been buying cards for Mother's Day for my children to give to their other grandma & it does make me sad that I'm not buying them for my own lovely mum, but I don't think it's insensitive for the day to be advertised for everyone else. It is hard though OP and I feel for you