Such definitions seek to encompass a wide range of common experiences. The point here is that we confront loss many times during our lives, and we will define them differently. The more significant or important a relationship is to us, of course, the more we grieve the loss.

For most of us, recovering from a significant emotional loss is a difficult task. This is especially the case for those who have entered the later stages of the life cycle.

It is difficult for these older persons who, having spent decades in intimate association with a significant other, to deal with the death of that partner.

Copyright 2000