DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m grieving someone I didn't know that well. I knew her only in passing, but whenever we spoke, she was so nice and delightful. I shared mutual friends with this girl, and they were much closer to her than I was, yet I can’t stop feeling this deep sadness as if the two of us were very close. I also feel kind of silly for grieving someone I don’t know when others who knew her better are also grieving. I feel like it isn’t my place. Am I out of line? -- Strange Grief
DEAR STRANGE GRIEF: Do not discount your grief. Though you didn’t know this person well, she clearly had an impact on you, and you are feeling the loss. Allow yourself the range of feelings that is coming over you. Welcome the full experience, and do not feel bad about the fact that you are emotional about this. Loss of life is real and affects people in different ways. Try to recall the things that you liked the most about this person. What did she do that was nice or delightful? Try to remember specific moments that touched you. This will help you to process your grief and be able to move on. Know that your grief is equally as valid as that of people who knew her well.