The death or loss of any loved one can spark intense grief. But in a culture that already places limits on expected displays and durations of grief, if the lost loved one isn’t in a specific close familial relationship to us, we are often met with surprise or irritation when we want to take the time and space to grieve. The reality is familial ties don’t dictate relationship closeness or intensity. Giving ourselves permission to process our emotions is an important part of the grieving process.