Newly dating, parent passed away. How do you act?

[Anonymous]

I met an amazing person about a month ago. At first I did subconsciously self sabotage by oversharing my baggage but he stuck by me and was beyond sweet. I noticed he seemed quiet and I hadn't heard from this week. When I reached out he told me his father had passed away. I feel horrible for him. I also feel like he won't want anything to do with me because thus far the entire time he's seen me, he's just been "taking care" of me in a sense and he doesn't have the capacity given all of this. I also don't want to push him away by checking in on him... just not sure how to act towards him or be there for him as I feel like giving him total space is wrong?

[HollyK21]

Given the situation checking in is just the decent thing to do. You would do it for a friend, maybe even a coworker, he’s no different. Separate the romantic aspect of your relationship with him from just showing that you care about his well-being. Now, if his father passing away will put him in a position to not want to date anyone, maybe it will bum you out but all you can do is respect it. You’ve only known him for a month, and have fallen more for the potential of him as a partner than you have for him as a person, there just hasn’t been adequate time to develop such feelings. My point in saying that is you will recover if he chooses to put things on ice with you. So see how he is, maybe offer to stop by with a care package or something. Gifts are very normal as condolences, people offer food, gift cards, flowers, etc, so don’t let this suggest make you panic. If he declines, that’s fine, no harm done. Then busy yourself and enjoy your nightZ

[jennifer_bloom]

If you think he wants to be left alone right now - consider buying him gifts or baking him healthy foods to cheer him up, maybe include some cute cards and images of cute puppies. You could do a puppy of the day routine where you send him a new dog card every day. Maybe buy him meditation music or books on coping with trauma, maybe buy him free therapy sessions.

[ilikesnow]

well, now it's your turn to be nice to him and give advice after you overshared, ask if he wants to talk about it and be there to comfort him at all times-

[Gabriel-Chicanito]

Pray a little in Jesus name.