Which of the following best describes "anticipatory grief"?

Anticipatory grief refers to the feelings of grief that occur when an individual is faced with the prospect of losing someone who is terminally ill or facing imminent death. This type of grief allows a person to begin the grieving process before the actual loss occurs, often as a way to prepare emotionally for the impending loss.

During anticipatory grief, individuals may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, anxiety, and even relief, as they come to terms with the reality of the situation. This kind of grief can also allow for meaningful goodbyes and a chance to express feelings and concerns about the relationship before it ends.

In contrast, the other options described do not align with the essence of anticipatory grief. The grief experienced after a significant loss refers to post-loss grief, which comes after the death has occurred. Grief lasting indefinitely could be indicative of complicated grief, while grief being less severe than normal grief misrepresents the intensity that anticipatory grief can entail. Thus, option B correctly captures the concept of anticipatory grief in the context of impending loss.