How do you handle the expectations of family and friends after a loss?

Navigating the expectations of family and friends after a loss can feel incredibly overwhelming. Many of us have been in that space where everyone around us seems to have an opinion about how we should be coping or moving forward. It's hard because we often feel pressure to put on a brave face or to explain our grief in a way that makes sense to others, even when we ourselves are still trying to understand it. One thing that helped me was setting clear boundaries with those who wanted to "help" but didn’t quite understand the depth of my loss. I found that being honest about what I needed — or didn’t need — was essential. Sometimes, that meant telling my family that I wasn’t ready to talk or share updates. It’s okay to say, “I appreciate your concern, but I need some time.” We’re all on different timelines when it comes to healing, and that’s completely valid. Another approach I’ve found beneficial is connecting with others who have experienced similar losses. Finding someone who truly understands this journey can make such a difference. I connected with a friend who had gone through a similar experience, and just sharing our feelings — the confusion, the sadness, the moments of anger — helped lighten the load. We started checking in on each other regularly, and it was a relief to have someone who "got it" without needing to explain every detail. It’s also important to remember that grief doesn’t have a fixed timeline. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. Acknowledge that you may not meet everyone's expectations, and that’s a part of your journey. If family and friends are pushing for “better” days too soon, gently remind them that healing isn’t linear. Many of us have found that opening up to them about where we are can foster understanding, even if they can’t fully grasp our pain. Anyone else feeling this way? How do you balance your own healing process with what others expect from you? Sometimes just talking to one person who understands can really change how we carry this weight.