With another Valentine’s Day coming up, my thoughts wander to the topic of dating as a widowed person. Dating in itself is difficult, but being widowed adds another layer of complexity and issues.
As I contemplate the topic, I feel for everyone who has come to dread the annual holiday that celebrates couples and love, while making many singles miserable.
I’m not in a relationship right now and don’t plan to be. I’ve dated since losing my husband, but I’ve abandoned that endeavor after several unsuccessful attempts at long-term relationships. These days, I’m perfectly happy by myself. I have my sweet adopted dog Ellie to keep me company and that’s all I need, at least at this point. Ellie, by the way, has made tremendous progress. She has overcome many of her fears, though some will probably never go away completely.
So right now, I’m very content being single and having my cuddly little dog for company. Will it change? Who knows.
One thing I’ve learned from my attempts to find a new partner is that it’s indeed possible to love someone again. I’ll never stop loving my late husband, but I know there’s plenty of space in my heart to share with a new person if I so choose. Yes, love after loss is possible!
In the video below, I share some thoughts and tips to help you determine whether you might be ready for a new relationship after loss.