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Global Grief Network Education Center
Module 4 of 6

Relationships and Life Expectations

About 1 hour

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Lessons in this module
  1. Ended or changed relationships
  2. The life you expected
  3. Mixed feelings and new hopes

Objectives

By the end of this module you will be able to:

Lesson

Ended or changed relationships

Divorce, breakups, friendships that fade, and children leaving home can bring grief for the person, the relationship, and the shared future.

The life you expected

People also grieve futures that did not happen: a career path, a family they hoped for, retirement plans, or a life in their home country. These hopes can be deeply held.

Mixed feelings and new hopes

Relief, grief, anger, and hope can all exist together. Over time, many people find ways to reshape their hopes and build a life that holds new meaning, without pretending the old dream did not matter.

GGN reminder: You can mourn the life you expected and still build a life you value.
GGN practiceLetter to an old dream (about 15 minutes)

Write a short letter to a life or future you expected. Thank it for what it meant and say what you are carrying forward. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 4.1: The empty house

After his divorce, Victor moved into a small apartment. He grieved his marriage, but also the family holidays and the backyard where he had pictured grandchildren playing.

Questions to consider:

  1. What losses is Victor grieving?
  2. How could he begin to reshape his hopes?

Discussion: Victor is grieving his relationship and an imagined future. He could honor those hopes, then explore new traditions and ways to build connection with his family.

Reflection Prompts

  1. What relationships have ended or changed for you?
  2. What future did you expect?
  3. What new hopes might grow?

Module 4 Quiz

Choose one answer per question, then check your answers. You need 4 of 5 correct to pass, and every critical item must be correct. You can retake it any time.