When my life-long friend was dying of pancreatic cancer, her husband demanded that no-one was to ask her 'How are you?'. It's a basic courtesy after saying 'hello', and didn't mean 'tell me all the awful things you are going through'. I understand why he did that as it was so painful for him to hear her responses over and over again but, as her close friend, I felt robbed of the chance to hear how she was coping instead of just trying to read her expressions. Grief can make people seem insensitive as they battle to understand the concept of loss in their own minds. If this person truly is your friend, then I'm sure they would be horrified that they have upset you. Sometimes the right words just aren't there...... Please accept my humble and warm wishes for you and your lovely partner, may you hold each other alwaysxxxx ... View more

When my life-long friend was dying of pancreatic cancer, her husband demanded that no-one was to ask her 'How are you?'. It's a basic courtesy after saying 'hello', and didn't mean 'tell me all the awful things you are going through'. I understand why he did that as it was so painful for him to hear her responses over and over again but, as her close friend, I felt robbed of the chance to hear how she was coping instead of just trying to read her expressions. Grief can make people seem insensitive as they battle to understand the concept of loss in their own minds. If this person truly is your friend, then I'm sure they would be horrified that they have upset you. Sometimes the right words just aren't there...... Please accept my humble and warm wishes for you and your lovely partner, may you hold each other alwaysxxxx ... View more