Why do I feel guilty for moving on after someone died?
Grief & Loss
Survivor's guilt and loyalty to the deceased can make moving forward feel like betrayal, but healing and living fully can be ways of honoring their memory.
Feeling guilty about moving on after losing someone important is one of the most common and painful aspects of grieving process" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grief. This guilt management can show up in many ways—feeling bad about having moments of happiness, pursuing new Interpersonal relationship, achieving goals the deceased will never reach, or simply continuing to live when they can't. It can feel like betrayal to laugh, love, or find joy when someone you cared about is gone forever. This guilt often stems from a misunderstanding about what it means to honor someone's memory. Many people believe that ongoing sadness is the only appropriate way to show love for someone who has died, but this isn't true. Most people who love us want us to live full, meaningful lives, not to remain frozen in grief" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grief as a monument to their memory. Moving forward doesn't mean forgetting or caring less about the person you lost. It means integrating their memory into a life that continues to grow and evolve. You can carry their love with you while still being open to new experiences, Interpersonal relationship, and sources of joy. In fact, living fully can be one of the most beautiful ways to honor someone's memory—showing that their love and influence continue to ripple out into the world through the life you build. emotional healing doesn't diminish your love; it transforms it into something that can coexist with hope and possibility.