does not shock easily

is not embarrassed by your tears

is warm and affectionate with you

reminds you of your strengths when you forget that you have them

recognizes that you are growing

trusts you to survive a difficult time

treats you like an adult who can make your own decisions

acknowledges that s/he, too, has strong feelings and shares some of them with you

may become impatient or angry with you but does not attack you personally when telling you so

is not afraid to question you directly concerning your feelings of loss

respects your courage and sense of determination to survive

understands that grief is not a disease

can easily share with you his/her own troublesome times

tries to understand what your feelings mean to you, even though s/he may be personally uncomfortable with them, e.g., sexual feelings, rage, etc.

tells you honestly when s/he can not be available because of problems of his/her own

keeps promises and commitments