My 18-year-old brother (my only sibling) recently died in a small plane crash. How do I answer when people ask if I have any brothers or sisters? I am not an only child, but I also don't want to make introductions awkward by telling strangers about my brother's death.
2006-12-17 13:07:19 · 25 answers · asked by MagicMint 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Say whatever it is that makes you comfortable. With some people - you might feel okay about telling them your brother has passed. Others - it's okay to just say no - that you don't have siblings. Because "technically" you don't anymore. Take each situation as it comes and deal with it however YOU feel is best.
I lost a brother too. I still have other siblings - but the question comes up about "how many" or whatever. I usually just say that I did have two brothers and a sister but my oldest brother has passed. People are usually VERY nice - and ask what happened. It's been quite a long time now - and I am comfortable talking about my loss.
God bless and take care!
2006-12-17 15:42:56 · answer #1 · answered by liddabet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother was killed in a car wreck and I have no other siblings much the same as you. When I answer this question I say "yes." because I did and do, have a sibling. The fact that he's dead doesn't mean we're not siblings. To say "no, I have no siblings" would show disrespect for my brother. In married couples, if one dies would the other say they were never married? They would probably say they they were a widow or widower. To indicate that they were never married would be a lie and show disrespect for the deceased spouse and for the spouse's memory. It's much the same for us. Yes..I have a brother but he lost his life a few years ago.
2006-12-17 21:26:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
if they are strangers, just say no, because that is the correct answer at the moment, when you get to know this person, tell them that you had a sibling but who is passed, and explain how you said no because thats the way it is now. Itroductions are akward, but Friendships are loving, friends understand.
2006-12-17 21:12:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You say: I had an older brother but he passed
They say: sorry to hear that
You: Change topic back to what you were talking about
Awkward yes. But that way you don't have to lie and can in a way honor your brothers memory
And sorry to hear about your brother
2006-12-17 21:11:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could simply say "yes, I do, but he has passed" if thney probe any farther, don't hesitate to say "I'd rather not talk about it"
Saying that you have a brother but he has passed works because even if he is gone, he is still your brother.
2006-12-17 21:10:10 · answer #5 · answered by Stasi 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Say yes I have a brother and he just passed away.... Leave it @ that short and simple and then if they ask it will be a great convo starter!!
2006-12-17 21:10:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Simply say "I have a brother who passed away." or "I have a brother who is in Heaven." You don't need to go into details.
2006-12-17 21:16:25 · answer #7 · answered by Jess H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think you could just say, "I had a brother named ____." and if they're interested enough they may ask what you mean by "had". Or if they can tell by your body language that you don't really want to talk about it, they may just nod and say, "ok."
2006-12-17 21:12:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well that uncomfortable moment is just unavoidable sweetie. You have to tell them the truth. Just change the subject and if they press just tell them that you don't want to talk about it.
And I am very sorry for your loss.
2006-12-17 21:11:29 · answer #9 · answered by John16 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say "not any more " and I think the get the message and smart ones dont ask any more questions because they know what it means
2006-12-17 21:15:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋