How To Deal With The Death Of Your Favourite 'Game Of Thrones' Character

It's that time of the year when we have a new Game of Thrones episode to watch every weekend after waiting for almost two very long years. But the wait comes with its own punch-to-the-gut: season 8 reportedly will only show six episodes.So, it's upon you, dear ardent fan, to make it a point to savour each plot development even more.

Of the many themes in the series, one theme that stood out throughout is the gruesome death of our beloved characters. While some of the rotten-egg characters had it coming, the deaths of characters that became our favourites over a short period of time is something we have a hard time reconciling to every time an episode leans in to the past, or for that matter every time we do mental head count with each new episode. Oh, Ned Stark...

Jon Snow's resurrection, for one, left us with the dim hope that may be our other beloved characters would find some way to come back. But may be that's pushing it. Jon Snow was back and we had to hold our peace.

They may be fictional characters alright, but the gaping hole and pain we viewers have been left with is all too real. So, how does one cope with the pain of losing someone who existed only on our screens? The five stages of grief¡ªdenial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance¡ªsomehow don't seem enough. What about the stages in between? How about we give this a try:

1. Cry, cry, then cry some more.

Open the floodgates and let it out. Your pain is justified. There's no point in acting stoic. Crying, on the other hand, will serve as a good reminder of the fact that your heart is not entirely stone yet. Who would've know...

2. Get angry, really angry.

Consider this to be an opportunity to deal with your anger management issues. When you get angry over a character that's only in your head, you don't come across as crazy. Nope. You come across as the sort of person who has their priorities right. Besides, real people, people of flesh and blood are bloody overrated.

3. Watch something so nonsensical you confuse your brain into thinking you're absolutely fine.

And you though only your brain could play you. Who's laughing now, you fleshy blob?

4. Visit the secret altar of your favourite on-screen human and have a funeral.

Light candles and incense sticks (may be not for this guy, just sayin'). Say a few words followed by a moment of silence. If you can bring fellow Games of Thrones fans to the funeral, even better.

5. Talk to others around you.

It'll make you feel better about what easily classifies as crazy behaviour.

6. Don't forget the spiral of despair.

Also knows as 'giving yourself time,' the spiral of despair is your own reward to yourself for putting yourself through the series and the eventual deaths. Just lie on the bed and do nothing. Because are you really even grieving the death of your favourite fictional Game of Thrones character if you don't dive in to the spiral of despair?

7. Go out for a Game of Thrones-style spa day.

'Tis the time for some self-care. Think plenty of grapes, cheese and wine. And then some ice for the eyes, and some fire (hot stones) for the spine.

8. Put yourself through the ring of fire: re-watch their brutal deaths.

You did it once, why not do it again? And may be find out if it still hurts so much this time. Was putting yourself through all that really worth it in the end?

9. Keep your expectations in check for next time.

I mean, by now we know that all characters we set our hearts on will at some point die. Bummer, yes. Let's be honest. Game of Thrones has made cynics of us all - every time a new character's introduced, we're already thinking at what point in the timeline they'll meet their bitter end.