Do we absolutely need to talk about death with our parents?

Caitlin Doughty makes clear that talking about death with your parents is not easy but is the right thing to do. She says that you need to have this conversation in order to know what they want after they die so you aren’t left in the dark and unsure of what to do when the time comes. She also says that having good conversations about death lessens the pain and depression that comes later in life. I agree with most of what Doughty is saying in her video. What I don’t agree with, however, is the amount of pressure it seems she is putting on families to have this tough conversation. I feel that this conversation should happen naturally and shouldn’t be forced upon somebody who doesn’t want to have it. The conversation will not be productive in any way if only one person is interested in having it. It is a great conversation to have, however I feel like it is one of those things in life that will either happen or it won’t. Take the idea of love for example. Some people have it, and some people will never have it, but some people agree that your life is better when you feel love for another person. And on the other hand, some people are completely fine living a life without finding love. So, this conversation about death might make death better for some, but it is not required for everyone.

Comments

  1. Tanner MullApril 26, 2019 at 4:23 PM

    I do not quite agree with you on this, I think Doughty is right to say its a conversation we need to have and I also believe that this is not a conversation that will naturally happen, or if it does it will be short lived, pun intended, and nothing will be accomplished with it. I also believe that it should be discussed what should happen in the event the child dies first because I have seen stories about people where either one dies and the one who is left has no idea what to do. I feel so bad when I hear about the extra grief it puts them through. While no one should be forced to have this talk, I think everyone should make an effort to have it.

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