When you hear of someone close to you or a friend passing away, the first thing you want to do is ensure you have time to go to the funeral. That means you have to go and cancel any plans or take some time from work for that particular day to pay your respects. You also want to ensure that you have the proper attire to go. You also don’t know what the right words to say are as you will see their mourning family. The best thing to do is to say that you are sorry for their loss, because what else is there to say unless they want to strike up a conversation about their loved one that just passed away.
However, if you are unsure of what things you should never do at a funeral, other than laugh at something inappropriate or make some snide and rude remarks, there is one thing that you should never do at a funeral, and that is to go on your phone!
When You Go To A Funeral, Put Your Phone Away
You know there are other times when you should keep your phone away such as going to dinner with some friends, a date, and at meetings. It is extremely disrespectful to talk and to play with apps, or surf online when you are doing any of those things in addition to being at a funeral. It is one thing if you suddenly receive a text or a call from someone who is in an emergency situation and needs your help right away. That is an exception and if others attending the funeral see that you are on your phone, and it turns out to be an emergency, then no one can judge. There are exceptions and things do happen.
However, the only time you have to keep your phone settings on when you are at the funeral is if you are leaving a caregiver to your kids or elderly parents behind. There is no other reason that anyone should have needed your help. If your spouse is not attending the funeral with you, then you should tell them that even if an emergency happens, they need to contact a relative of theirs while you are at the funeral. Tell them to text you and you will pick it up when you are done. Let’s go over other rude things you should never do when you attend a funeral.
Never Take Pictures With Your Phone
It is bad enough to use your phone during the funeral service whether you are talking or using the apps or going online. However, what is even worse is if you take pictures of the funeral with your phone or any camera. Never ever take pictures during a funeral service as that is highly disrespectful. Firstly, you should never take pictures of anyone without their consent. Secondly, you don’t do it when you are attending a funeral. There is no reason at all you should have any device with you when you are attending a funeral.
Therefore, you will need to silence your phone and put it in your pocket or purse. Do not take it out until the service is over. Again, one exception is if you are leaving kids or aging parents in your care behind. However, the use of the phone should be discouraged at all costs when you are going for dinner, on a date, to the movies, to meetings, and to a funeral. You also want to ensure that you do another thing while you are going to the funeral and that is to dress appropriately!
