i am a widow and have been for almost 2 years now. there is no set time when you feel comfortable dating that all depends on you sweetie. take things slow and you will know when the time is right

I have been widowed for over 2 1/2 years now. I know some may take time or never want another person in their life, but I am not that way. I want someone to share my life with. Trouble is, it is taking so long to find that person. Well, not finding actually, getting together is problem since he isn't close enough to me to spend a lot of time with. We do talk on the phone and that is very nice. Getting to know a person is a lot better. Whether it is writing, e-mailing or just talking on the phone a lot. When that one person comes along, you will know it. Being patient is a must for in most cases. Best wishes to all of you here. I was married for over 13 years so it is a transition. After a few months I was ready to find someone. Just whenever you feel you are ready to move on with your life. I have a cousin who passed away in Dec. 2005 and his widow is getting remarried this December. They dated in high school and had not seen each other in 27 years so this is really a act of fate. I wish them the best.

Widower 10 yrs last May. When to date, your feelings will tell you. It is different for all. Sorry you had to join the unique club.

It does suck to be in this situation. Single not by choice. But I guess folks who get dumped can be in a situation also. Life is full of challenges.

i've been a widow for 4 yrs...it was 4 months after my husband died that i started to see people..my hubby was very sick the last 3 years of his life and after having to care for him 24/7 those 3 years, i know he didn't want me to stop living just because he did. "looking" was right when he said.."All you can do is what feels right for you." you will know when it feels right..never feel guilty about it

hi everyone :) Thank you all so much for your supportive words! It all helps, that's for sure. I'm going to so my best to put my best foot forward :)

(((Ashgal))) I am so very sorry for your loss.... and to all that have posted here that they too have lost their spouse.

I think there really is no set answer hon. Each circumstance is different, each person is different... just as we each greive differently, so we move forward at our own pace.

In my case, I know beyond a shadow of any doubt that David would want me to keep living & loving. Heck - knowing him, if he is able to do so I bet he's been scouting on my behalf already!

Boils down to: be teue to yourself. If it feels right, then allow it. If it doesn't, then take a step back and try again a bit later.

May the Angels surround you..!

Blessings ~

just to say, to all who posted, im so sorry for your loss. god bless

Sorry for your loss, God bless!

I will be a widow 9 years come March. I have dated off and on doing the past 8 years, but chose not to become serious with anyone until my children were older. Now with the last one ready to graduate I am ready. For me I guess it is different from the rest on here who has lost a spouse, my hubsand and I were separated at the time of his death. So when you feel in your heart that your ready, that is the time to start dating. It's all up to you, and as long as your comfortable with things that is what counts. Good luck

sorry, can't help on this topic.

ashygal, I'm sorry for your loss. Everyone is right you know, it'll be different for all who become widowed. Sometimes it will depend on the circumstances surrounding their death or perhaps the state of your relationship at that time. Then again it may only depend on your comfort level. Definitely go with your own intuition.

I was widowed very suddenly in July 2003, just 5 months after losing my brother and 26 months after losing my best friend. It really shook up my world and I wasn't ready to date for the first two years. I couldn't even bring myself to remove my engagement ring and wedding band for the first year and a half. Once I did start dating I knew I had waited just the right amount of time for me.

If you feel like you're ready go ahead and give it a shot. If you feel the least bit uncomfortable, other than just nerves, back away for a bit and try at a later time. Best wishes.

I was a widow way back when, and I think it just depends on when you feel comfortable enough to get out and date again. Don't let anybody put you on a timetable.... it's YOUR decision.

Also widowed twice. It is a decision that your heart will have to make. Do not let your head do the talking for you. I started dating 7 months after, and what it turned out...was that I was lonely and scared. Needing to feel a hug, a kiss, someone to hold my hand. I missed having someone to come home or come home to.
I felt guilty for a long time and was always comparing him to my husband. Wasn't going to happen. I found out when I quit comparing that I had grown enough in my loss to begin to live without him. They are both still very much in my heart and my soul. Always in my memories, and forever alive in my world. For as long as I can still see them and feel them and remember them. They are still alive. It is the memory that makes that so.
When the time is right...you will be at ease with your choice.
Good luck hon. Losing a spouse to death is so hard and hits so deep. The questions, needing answers. Wondering, the what ifs. Not getting the chance to say good bye. The suddeness of it. Not like a divorce at all. Much harder to understand and get past.
Life does go on. It takes time. But time will come, and time will go. Time will tell.
Kat