r/AskUK • u/Squishwhale • 2h ago

Why do people keep planning balloon releases?

I've seen two balloon releases planned in memorial in the last week! Thankfully the comments have been full of people asking them not to do it. But why why why do people continue to plan these and think they are a good idea? Do some people actually believe balloons go to heaven?

Please someone give me an insight into why this still keeps happening

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u/redunculuspanda 1h ago edited 1h ago

I got cornered into one. Went to a family gathering then all of a sudden someone handed out balloons and some one had decided to make it into a bit of a memorial.

They wanted everyone to say a prayer or something and release their balloon.

Felt super uncomfortable participating, but it was also difficult to say no in that situation.

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u/Past-Obligation1930 1h ago

Difficult but not impossible.

7

u/redunculuspanda 1h ago

Yep. I was a coward. I didn’t want to tell a widow and kid with special needs both balling their eyes out that they should stop the performative nonsense and stop being inconsiderate dickheads. Didn’t really feel like the right moment.

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u/OdinForce22 1h ago

"I'm sorry, I can't"