02/06/2026
Someone recently sent me a video from a so-called “deathfluencer.” After about four minutes of basic research, it became clear this person is not a licensed funeral director, yet they’re out here giving advice as if they are.
In the video, they claim you shouldn’t kiss your loved one goodbye. Let’s clear a few things up:
First, bacteria is not a concern. Your loved one has been embalmed and sanitized.
Second, they warn about “messing up the makeup,” as if that’s some irreversible disaster. Licensed funeral directors spend a great deal of time on cosmetics, and if makeup is disturbed after a kiss, it can usually be touched up, especially if there is another viewing the following day.
Third (and this one really takes the cake!) they suggest you shouldn’t kiss your loved one goodbye because you might regret it later. That is, frankly, one of the most misguided things I’ve ever heard someone associated with funeral service say. If anything, the chances of regretting not kissing them goodbye are far greater.
If you want to kiss your loved one goodbye, do it. That moment is for you, not for internet fear-mongering.
Please don’t give attention or credibility to people spreading misinformation for clicks. There are many licensed, educated professionals online who share accurate, compassionate information about death care, and those are the voices worth listening to.
Here are some pages you should follow if you want real, factual information surrounding funeral service: Lynch-Green Funeral Home, Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, William R. May Funeral Home, Inc.
