I have just resantly been widowed back in nov 2006 and Im a little scared to start dating again or if I have even waited long enough can some one please help with this

never have been in that type of situation
just divorce or break up
i would assume only you can answer that question for yourself
people handle loss differently depending on how you move through
the stages (grief, anger, etc)
you will know when the time is right

I have been widowed two and a half years now. I know where you are coming from. I had a picture like that with my deceased that still brings me comfort. At first I couldn't even look at it because it brought me so much pain but eventually I could look at it again and feel the same as I did in the picture. To me it was a real trophy to show the world that I could love and be loved but in the dating world it can look like you are still in a relationship.

I have been widowed since 1994.

Dating is scarey...

I believe you will know in your own heart- when you are ready

to date again. A year may be long enough for you; for some it

may be even longer. It really depends on the individual...

Too soon would be right after a person passed away to me.

Good luck and welcome!

What is weird is when you still feel like you are in a relationship with your deceased but want to date again. It can play havoc on the mind. Give yourself all the time you need because everybody is different. Think being jealous of a live person can be difficult. Try dealing with a ghost that still seems real to you.

my hubbie pass 6 years ago it does get better but I think about him sometimes!

I have had to go through the mental process of being faithful to the ghost and asking the ghost if it ok to date again. So far the ghost never answers it is all in my head. But oh man grief can do some weird stuff to the mental faculties. One can still feel like they are still in a relationship and out of a relationship at the same time. I have to go through this type of exorcism with it.

Welcome to the site. Hugs to you.
I too am widowed(2004). Its a tough jounry....
There is no right 0r wrong way to start, just do what feels right to you.

As you are widowed longer it does get easier. I can remember being around the ones who still had spouses. I went through this coveting stage. Then there was this stage when I was around the ones who still had live spouses where it bothered me to be around them. It was like they were just flaunting the fact their spouses were still alive. Then at my grief share meetings the chairlady told me that men weren't supposed to hit on the new widows. I thought she must have nerve to say that since she had got remarried. She was just trying to help me to realize that I just couldn't replace the lost one. Today I can be around married folks and just enjoy their good marriage. I can learn from the way they relate with each other in social situations. That has helped a lot with the self-pity I was dealing with.

Widower, 10 yrs.

Don't start looking for dates; look for friends & see how it goes. It gets easier from practice of doing it, you will continue to have up & down days.

I agree with Sage, He always gives great advice.

All I can add is Hugs to you,,, (((( Max ))))

Take the time to mend your heart. Taking care of YOU is more important than dating.