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Dating after being widowed

(28 Posts)
Grandmajb Sun 06-Feb-22 17:08:15

After 4 years alone I have a date next Saturday which I am really looking forward to. My concern is whether to take off my wedding ring and engagement ring. Also if it goes well and we move forward do I remove my husbands photos if the new man comes round. Both seem quite alien and don’t sit well with me. Equally I would not like any new man to feel uncomfortable. Maybe I just have to be honest. Have any of you ladies been in the same situation? What are your thoughts.

MawtheMerrier Tue 21-Jun-22 09:44:04

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pouytre Tue 21-Jun-22 09:42:40

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Dee1012 Wed 02-Mar-22 13:06:20

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.

Awesomegranny Wed 02-Mar-22 12:47:21

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.

glammanana Tue 22-Feb-22 10:04:41

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DamienGH Tue 22-Feb-22 08:39:31

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Pepper59 Sat 19-Feb-22 15:09:11

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

Pammie1 Sat 19-Feb-22 15:07:27

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

Pammie1 Sat 19-Feb-22 15:06:06

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.

3dognight Wed 16-Feb-22 03:06:10

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 flowers

Luckygirl3 Tue 15-Feb-22 22:38:01

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.

NanaAng14 Tue 15-Feb-22 22:34:28

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

Audi10 Tue 15-Feb-22 21:15:27

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

Pepper59 Thu 10-Feb-22 10:03:20

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.

Hiraeth Thu 10-Feb-22 07:47:06

Love it Hetty ??

Hetty58 Thu 10-Feb-22 07:40:45

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.

Hiraeth Thu 10-Feb-22 07:23:23

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 .

Katie59 Thu 10-Feb-22 07:17:42

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

Nannykfh Wed 09-Feb-22 22:33:35

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 smile

Grandmajb Sun 06-Feb-22 21:57:37

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

crazyH Sun 06-Feb-22 21:11:47

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

Jane71 Sun 06-Feb-22 20:55:07

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.

Elizabeth27 Sun 06-Feb-22 17:48:22

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.

LaCrepescule Sun 06-Feb-22 17:31:02

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.

Kim19 Sun 06-Feb-22 17:20:34

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. ?