Last month, my father passed away unexpectedly due to complications from a hip fracture after a fall. He was only 81. I say only 81 as these days that seems rather young. Since his passing, every day has been a rollercoaster of emotions from tears, loneliness, and anger, to confusion, frustration, and regret. I know he’s gone, but I also realize that it will take time to accept the loss and adapt to life without him. 15 years ago my life was forever changed after losing my mother to a failed kidney transplant. That day, I lost a piece of my identity that was based on my relationship with my mother. After losing both parents, my empathy has only deepened for others who are faced with the loss of a loved one and the pain of grieving.

Grief is a complex and challenging emotion that varies from person to person. Yet, there are certain emotions and circumstances that we all experience. When personal tragedy and grief intersect with romance it creates a unique dynamic that requires delicate navigation.  Being in a relationship takes a lot of emotional energy, and the pain of losing someone is often enough to lead to a relationship breakdown after loss.

According to industry professionals, when a person is grieving, your capacity for giving to a relationship is far less than normal. Death not only alters the way you feel about your significant other, it causes communication problems and intimacy issues in a relationship. “The first step in managing grief in a relationship is to acknowledge and validate each other’s emotions,” according to dating coach and professional matchmaker Lori Mendelsohn. “It’s essential to create a safe space where both partners can express their feelings without judgment or criticism,” says Mendelsohn.

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, or supporting a partner who is grieving, tonight’s episode of Jewish Singles Radio will provide insight on how to manage personal loss and grieving in a relationship, and heal your broken heart.