Signs that a deceased loved one is still watching over you
There are absences that fill every space. And then there are those small moments—a scent in the air, a song at just the right time, a shiver for no reason—that give the impression that love, at least, hasn’t disappeared. Regardless of your beliefs, many grieving people report experiencing unsettling, sometimes comforting, “winks.” Without promising certainty, here are some signs that are often mentioned… and, above all, gentle ways to receive them without fear.
The “little coincidences” that are too perfect:
Finding a light-colored feather on the path, stumbling upon a coin in an unexpected place, repeatedly encountering an unusual name… On paper, everything has an explanation. But when these details occur just as you were thinking of the person, they take on a different flavor: that of an intimate message, like a sticky note left by life itself.
A simple tip: jot down the date and context on your phone (“where I was, what I was thinking, how I was feeling”). Sometimes, rereading these notes is helpful; you can sense a kind of continuity.
Scent: The Unexpected Memory
Among the most frequent signs is a familiar smell. A hint of perfume, the scent of soap, the aroma of a dish associated with the person… and suddenly, it transports you back to them as if someone had opened a door.
Smell is also the sense most closely linked to memory. If this happens to you, there’s no need to choose between spirituality and a rational explanation: in both cases, the effect is the same: a powerful, often comforting, reminder at the heart of grief and its signs.
Dreams that resemble a real encounter
Some nights, you dream of a deceased loved one in a surprisingly vivid way. It’s not a blurry dream, but a clear scene, leaving you with a sense of peace upon waking. Many describe these dreams as moments of comfort: you don’t feel “strange,” you feel…at peace. A small, gentle ritual: upon waking, jot down a phrase, an image, or a detail. Not to analyze it, but to appreciate this gift.
When your body reacts: chills, goosebumps, sudden calm
A fleeting shiver, goosebumps without a breeze, or, conversely, a profound sense of calm enveloping you… Some perceive it as a nearby presence. Others interpret it as a natural bodily reaction to a resurfacing emotion. Both can coexist: your body sometimes has its own language.
If this worries you, return to something very concrete: breathe slowly, feel grounded, drink a glass of water. The idea is not to “push away” the moment, but to remain safe within your feelings.
Devices that “misbehave” and the song that plays at just the right moment.
A flashing light, a radio that turns on, a symbolic song that appears “by chance”… It’s a classic theme in grief narratives. Here, too, there are technical explanations. But the moment often resonates. Advice accessible to everyone: if it makes you feel good, accept it as a sign of love, not as something to worry about. And if it makes you uncomfortable, you have the right to set boundaries, even internally.
Animals, these sensory receptors of our mood
A cat staring intently at a corner, a dog suddenly becoming very affectionate… Animals react to things we don’t always perceive: subtle noises, smells, changes in routine. Many also project a calming presence, because the animal becomes an emotional conduit.
In any case, if your partner snuggles up to you, take it as an invitation to slow down: it’s often just what we need in a comforting grieving process.
What if the real “sign” is what makes you feel good?
Ultimately, the most important thing isn’t proving anything. It’s recognizing what comforts you, stabilizes you, and helps you move forward. If these moments become overwhelming, distressing, or prevent you from living your life, don’t hesitate to talk to a professional: grief is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone.
Sometimes, love is silent: it simply seeps into a small detail and gently reminds you that you are not alone.