A young widow of 18 months says, 'I’m going to need a babysitter, because I’m going on a blind date at my brother and sister-in-law's house. They fixed me up, but I think it may be too soon.' Which nurse statement would be therapeutic?

• A. By the end of a year, most people are able to renew their interest in other people and activities.
• B. Dating should be avoided for at least a year to grieve properly.
• C. It's important to stay alone and not engage with others for a while.
• D. You should immediately start dating to move on from your loss.

Answer: (A)

Grief coping often involves normalizing the grieving process while encouraging gradual reintegration into life. This statement does that by offering a hopeful, nonjudgmental view of how healing can progress over time. It acknowledges that feelings and interests can begin to return as people move through their loss, without prescribing a rigid rule. Suggesting that by the end of a year most people are able to renew interest in others and activities provides a realistic trajectory and supports social reengagement at a pace that fits the individual. It respects her current stance—that she may be cautious about a blind date—while gently normalizing the possibility of reengaging with life when she feels ready. In contrast, the other options impose fixed timelines, promote isolation, or urge immediate dating, which can obstruct personal healing and autonomy.