E36: "Don't Speak Ill of the Dead" Is B.S.—Why This Phrase Is Harmful to Grievers
Manage episode 519253759 series 3660489
You've probably heard the phrase "don't speak ill of the dead"—but what if the person who died hurt you? I'm breaking down how this common advice silences survivors, protects harmful legacies, and makes grief harder for people with complicated losses.
You'll learn:
Why "don't speak ill of the dead" is outdated, harmful advice
How this phrase impacts survivors of abuse, estrangement, or neglect
Three real examples of truth-telling obituaries and what they reveal
What to say when someone tries to silence your grief
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36 episodes