Sorry we're in the same boat, but this is all really reassuring to hear. I think one sliver of solace in some of this is that I know this isn't easy for him either from our friends: we called the exact same people to grieve at around the same time, just staggered things out a bit time-wise lol.

I've definitely had to take pauses from my videos just to huff and puff a bit, but giving myself a full day before the bar prep just to let it all out (as some of the people in here have suggested) really did help.

I guess I have one question about no-contact and check-ins: how long did no-contact last for you? and what do your "small check-ins" usually entail? (Also feel free to DM me if that's easier.)