In almost 16 years of marriage, 17 years together, I've seen my husband lose several beloved relatives. Both grandmothers and an uncle in 2008. A close cousin who had been more like a brother to him, and was best man at our wedding, in 2020.

Sadness, yes. He talks about it, and he isn't trying to be brave. But, never a tear.

Except once in 2011. When the cat died.

From what I've read, that's not uncommon. People have questioned themselves because they were stoic or maybe even *couldn't* cry at the death of a close family member, but then a pet or a celebrity passes, and they fall to pieces. The usual explanation is that this is just the straw that broke the camel's back, and the grieving is also for the lost relative. Hubby's cousin hadn't died yet, but when the cat went, I think he was also mourning his grandmothers and uncle.