There are many different ways in which individuals express, experience, and adapt to grief. Understanding and accepting different ways of grieving lies at the heart of surviving your loss as a couple. Understanding is helpful but not absolutely necessary. Acceptance of your partner's approach however is a necessity. If you have not reached acceptance, make it your first priority.

I don't think we had a joint mission to keep our relationship together. It was like: "Every man for himself." I was in so much pain, I wasn't really looking out for your interests. I didn't have the facility or resource to really do that, to be there for you. Thankfully everything held together. Our love for each other kept on a progression. It could have easily gone the other way." - Jonathan Pascual