Remember the people whose loss was real even when the relationship had no official title.

Grief tends to get rationed by category. The recognized roles receive the cards, the time off, and the sympathy, while a close friend, a former partner, a colleague of many years, or someone loved without a public label is left mourning with no obvious place to stand. The loss is not smaller. There is simply less room made for it.

If this is you, your grief needs no title to be real, and the time may be taken anyway. If you know someone in that position, say their person’s name and ask about them.