Should I go to the funeral or not?

Question

I'm 15 and my uncle died on saturday and his funeral is on thursday. I'm not sure if I want to go to the funeral or not because I feel like it is a waste of my time because I barely knew the man, I never even had a conversation with him, when ever I saw him, which was only a couple times a ear, he only said a few sentences to me at a time, I knew him sooo little that I'm barely even sad he died even though he only lived 15 minutes away from me by car and he isn't even my blood uncle, only my aunts husband and my aunt barely cared about him, but I'm thinking maybe I should go just to respect him but to me it's like a stranger died, like you know how on the news you hear about how someone died and you feel sympathetic and then you get over it in like 5 minutes, that is what it is like for me

Answer 1

well if your uncle was still alive would he want you to go?

Answer 2

i think you should go. you wouldn't want to be thinking about things he did in 10 years and wish you'd gone to his funeral. even though you didn't know him that well maybe he actually really cared for you and just didn't show it. im sure he would appreciate knowing you went. even though you're not related he is technically still family and i think you can spare that time out of your life to pay your respects.

are you parents going? if they are, you definitely should go

Answer 3

don't bother.

Answer 4

I recentlyhad this issue when my grandfather died.  He didn't have anything to do with our family, really.  He did contribute to my sons college education, though, but only becuase my dad made him. I only went to the funral because it would have hurt my dad if I didn't attend.  If no one else cares then this guy won't because he's dead. Don't bother.

Answer 5

Personally, I think you should go...out of respect for your aunt, and the rest of your family...and regardless of the relationship you think that your aunt and uncle had when he was alive. I knew of couples who appeared very independent and lived "separate lives" but when one died the other seemed sort of lost...so maybe this could be happening?So for all you know, he may need your support more than you realize. It's only an hour or two of your time.  

Think about it:  what if it were you who died and people decided not to go pay their respects because they didn't have time for your or people who were close to you?

Answer 6

Listen to yourself.  LIke you write in your question you have no connection to this man on a personal level so it really would be meaningless if you went.  Unfortunately, in life, you will loose people that you really cared about.  Save  the funeral going until then.

Answer 7

Personally I think you should go.   Even though your Mom said it's your choice, the mature and respectful choice would be to go.  Whether you knew the guy well or not and whether he was "blood" or not, he was family.  And sometimes whether you like it or not, you do things out of respect for family.   That's just how I was raised.  

Answer 8

well hunny dont go I would not want someone to go to my funeral who did not really want to be there would you? You were not close so your not in mourning and you do nto need closure. Just be sure to give everyone your condolences

Answer 9

I think you should go.  Any funeral is a tough time for a family, even if the person who died wasn't on the best of terms with people.  For all you know, your aunt could be feeling a lot of regret and really struggling.  Even if she's doing okay, it's still important for you to be there so that your family is together.  Being at a funeral reminds us all of our own mortality and having your whole family together really will be important, even if they don't realize it right now.