10 Things to Avoid Doing at Funerals

(Warning: If you are offended by morbid humor, you'll definitely want to skip this one...)

In a perfect world, every funeral service would be a beautiful celebration of a life well lived. Unfortunately, this world is far from perfect. Some funerals are more like soap operas or comedy sitcoms than they are anything else. What should be a meaningful homegoing celebration can easily turn into a pitiful display of buffoonery.

In case you know of anyone who is planning to "act out" at an upcoming funeral or just doesn't have sense enough to follow basic funeral etiquette, you may want to share with them this list of activities that are best avoided at funerals:

1. Trying to reconnect with a former love or get a new one. Even if you are not biologically or emotionally connected to the deceased, it's in poor taste to try to establish a romantic connection at a funeral. Don't try to seduce anyone in another pew with your eyes, or give unusually long hugs to grieving persons under the guise of offering comfort. Many people are indeed vulnerable at funerals, but it's a bad idea to view that as a window of opportunity for romance.

2. Bopping your head or humming to music that's being broadcast over your cranial airwaves. Some people try to mentally prepare for a funeral by playing soft, soothing music on the ride to the funeral home. If however you were listening to your favorite upbeat dance tunes on the ride over, be careful not to bop your head or hum along to any music that's lingering in your mind.

3. Falling down - or out. Of course, accidents can and do occur, but short of an innocent trip or slip down the aisle, it's best to avoid being overly dramatic at a funeral. Remember, the focus should be on the departed, not on the living. The more you draw attention to yourself during a funeral service, the less you will be honoring the deceased.

4. Leaning on the casket. Most caskets are pretty sturdy, I would guess, but avoid leaning on the casket at any time before or during the funeral service. This is an insensitive act that could have catastrophic consequences if by chance the casket is not as sturdy as you thought.