Dating after being widowed

I don't know how old you are Grandmajb but I'm fairly sure that your prospective date will expect that, at some point in your past, you'll have either been married or in a long term relationship; as will he have been. Personally, I wouldn't feel at all comfortable taking my rings off; they're a symbol of a very important part of my life. Nor would I feel happy at removing photographs; again for the same reasons. I'm sure your date wouldn't feel uncomfortable seeing the usual family photos around your home, any more than you'd feel uuncomfortable seeing family photos in in his home. You have a past; there's no need to hide it - it's what's made you who you are today.

Sounds lovely. Hope it goes really well for you both. I wouldn't remove my rings or, in due course, photographs (unless there are too many). That's your past life and doesn't disappear. Good luck. Your message has given me a warm feeling. Don't know why. ?

Keep your rings on and displaying your photos. I’m in a relationship now 10 years post-divorce and wouldn’t dream if hiding my past life. Any man worth his salt would be ok with that. Good luck.

Stop looking so far ahead and just concentrate on having a good time on Saturday.

Only remove your rings if you want to, don't do it for how it looks to your date.

Hope you have a lovely time and it is the first date of many, either with this person or with others in the future.

One day at a time is the mantra, so focus on Saturday evening, relax, be yourself - not what you think the man is looking for - and have a lovely time. I'm sure all us grannies will be hoping it goes well.

And this granny is wishing it was her ?- have a great date Grandmajb

Thank you everyone. He is aware that I’m widowed. I feel better better now that I have seen your comments.

I was widowed at the age of 42 and after 3 1/2 years decided to try dating again. After a few false starts I met the man that I’m with now. I didn’t take off my wedding rings to start with, but after a tear I decided to wear them on the other hand.
Hope your date goes well

Wear your rings as you prefer, it’s best to avoid references to your husband, leave any fond memories in the background, when you are chatting you will say “we” frequently, so will he. It will probably take a few dates for you to feel comfortable, if you have common interests it will be much easier.
Hope it goes well

Ive been widowed for 8 years and still have my wedding rings on. Friends have commented and said I should take them off .But it’s my life and my decision.
Enjoy the date it’ll do you good to be in a man’s company again. Obviously the date has a „background „ as well .Perfectly ok .

I wish I could get my rings off (widowed 25 years ago) but my knuckles seem to have grown - so I'd have to have them cut off!

Grandmajb, you're overthinking and creating problems that don't exist.

Love it Hetty ??

One word of caution, be wary of any man who wants you to take down your late husband's photos. Happened to someone I knew and it was a big red warning flag for what came later. It's up to you and you alone what you do. However, good luck and have a lovely time.

I think you should do what’s right for you op, and good luck for the date , please come back and tell us how it went, if you want to of course

I met a new man about 5yrs after I was widowed, and we both went into it very relaxed, I took my time taking rings off and in fact just replaced them occasionally with other jewellery, depending on which bracelet and watch I was wearing .
Photos stayed up until I gradually changed some of them with some of grandkids or indeed one of myself and new partner.
Don't worry or overthink things , just do things at your own pace .
Hope you have a good time

He knows that you have been married and will not expect you to wipe all record of your OH out of your life. Keep the rings on and keep the photos.

You sound like a lovely lady.
He is a lucky guy to be going on a date with you .

Wear your rings with pride, put another ring on a finger of the other hand , maybe? (Different type of ring?)

Photos - yes keep your favourite photos up, unless there are hundreds.

Enjoy your date

Hi - I hope all goes well for you. I remember my nerves at my first date after being widowed, but five years later we’re still together, so you definitely can find happiness again. I didn’t take off my rings and still haven’t, and photos of my late husband are still on display. You both had a .life before you met - in need to hide the evidence of that -it’s part of who you are.

Sorry - that should have read no need to hide - autocorrect strikes again !!

Pammie1, thats a really nice post and Im glad you found some happiness 2nd time around.

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Do what makes you feel comfortable, everyone has a past. You are what you are. Maybe not a photo by the side of the bed, but hopefully it’s not a one night stand just take things at a slow pace.

I hope you have a wonderful time.

The only advice I could give is take your time and do what is right for you!

Many years ago I was in a relationship with a wonderful man...he died suddenly. I have his picture in a small frame in my living room. In memory of him and all that might have been, I keep it and always will.
I'd hope that anyone interested in me, would accept and understand that.