Sadly that seems to be very much the norm. I don't think there is malicious intent ever but people don't know what to say. They think if they mention your loss it will upset you so resort to saying nothing - which is probably the worst option.None taken at all mate. It's ultimately my responsibility how I behave. What's been interesting is how relatively lonely it's been. Obviously we talk to each other about stuff a lot, but whether it's because they don't know what to say or something, friends and family haven't been in touch a great deal. You like to think they're not good time friends, you know, but it has been noticeable, especially for my wife who doesn't have a community of onlineweirdossmashers to turn to. It does underline how valuable this thread is though I think, as it's perhaps easier for people to not only open up, but offer support themselves.
I have a work colleague who I was representing from a Union perspective because she was on long term sick having had a hernia op. No big problems - very supportive manager, just going through the processes. During the time she was off her husband was diagnosed with, and died of bowel cancer. In 10 weeks. He was 42. She told me that somebody she had thought of as a close friend just stopped talking to her after that and she was convinced that the friend had no idea what to say to her.
We really need to learn to be more open about facing up to things that happen to people. And talk to them about their lives. The good bits and the sad bits.