What becomes of the broken hearted? Following the death of a partner, it can take time to get used to the fact that you are no longer part of a couple. The life you shared together is over and coming to terms with this fact can be difficult and memories of happier times can cloud your vision. In the early days, these feelings can cause a great deal of heartache and frustration. If you have children, especially young children, then your recovery will very likely be more motivational, and your time will be focused on smoothing the way for them as you help them though their recovery during this d ..read more

Deciding to date again after losing a spouse can be an overwhelming decision. It’s normal to feel a variety of emotions as you navigate this journey. You may feel conflicted, guilty, and fearful of judgment. You might also feel excited, hopeful, and future-forward for the first time in a while. The big question is always, “am I ready to start dating?” Here are some smaller questions to ask yourself so you can find the answer. Are You Sensitive to Triggers? Grieving is an ongoing process that will change and evolve over the years. While time doesn’t heal all wounds, it can help. Unfortunately ..read more

Having someone to share your life with If you have shared a good life with your late partner, their absence will be hard to accept. Finding yourself alone after a lifetime of togetherness can be difficult. It may take a while before you can fully acknowledge that you are single again and living life as one, instead of two. Even if you’ve been anticipating this moment for some time, coming to terms with the reality is hard. How long it takes to assimilate this new status is different for everyone. If it’s been a while and you’re starting to miss having someone to share your life with, maybe the ..read more

Understanding the intentions of a widow or widower Dating another widow or widower with a view to forming a relationship can be a complex process. If this is the first time you have dated again since losing your partner, rising to the challenge of a first date will no doubt be a significant experience. What to wear,  what to talk about, what not to talk about – will need some  careful forethought. Your date may also be going through similar processes. However, once you’re both sitting face-to-face and hopefully chatting freely, you will probably find the situation much easier than yo ..read more

When someone you love dies, it can feel as though part of you has died with them. The life you shared together is over and coming to terms with this hard fact can be difficult. Memories of happier times can cloud your vision and in the early days following the loss of a partner, these feelings can cause a great deal of heartache and frustration. However, it is these memories that can help to keep you going. Knowing you have experienced being in love is a vital component for your recovery. Not everyone is so lucky. Every individual is different in the way they navigate life’s journey and losing ..read more

How you’re feeling and what you want from the future ‘How long should a widow or widower wait before remarrying’, is question we are asked often. If you’ve been widowed, it is a topic which brings with it many important reasons to be introspective about how you’re feeling and what you want from the future. Seeking a relationship to specifically help you work through your heartache is unlikely to be a solution for your grief. Far from helping you, it will not be good for the other person you have involved in your post-bereavement blues. How long should you wait before you remarry In general ter ..read more

Introducing someone new to your children As a parent, following the loss of a partner, you could one day find yourself in another relationship and facing the delicate task of introducing someone new to your children. It is understandable that you would be anxious about doing this and concerned that this could make them feel insecure. If there is a respectable distance since the loss of your partner it is hoped that by now your children are feeling confident in the knowledge that there is life after loss. Every situation, however, is different and will need a unique dialogue, with the age of th ..read more

For some, getting back into a relationship after bereavement will take a great deal of forethought. Having met someone who inspires and interests the mere idea of actually going on a first date, although exciting, will be a huge step, but one you will hopefully approach with cautious enthusiasm. If, over time, the new man/woman in your life proves to be a good companion and someone you’re attracted to, you may find yourself wanting to take things further. With this in mind, it could be you find yourself unexpectedly overcome with awkwardness, and the idea of your friendship becoming a more int ..read more

The next person in your life could be completely different Your first relationship after being widowed will bring with it a whole new set of possibilities. Hoping to meet someone with similar qualities to those of your late partner is to be expected, especially if you were very happy together. However, it is better to have an open-mind, as it’s far more likely the next person in your life could be completely different. This doesn’t mean you won’t discover some shared interests – it is more likely that it will present new possibilities. It is these facets, which will make this relationship spec ..read more

In our interview with DatingNews.com, we talked about our extensive Dating Advice section. Here, we offer answers to questions that are typically asked by widows and widowers as they venture back into the world of dating and beyond. Wondering how we will cope on our own If you have children and they’ve flown the nest, negotiating life’s journey alone can hold little allure. Looking on at other couples whose relationships have stood the test of time and who enter middle age with the prospect of retirement together, can be hard, but you can improve your prospects for future happiness. Planning a ..read more