I was unsure about telling husband's siblings at first, because, like your Diana and her brothers they are a close-knit family...but I didn't want to hide anything from them either...I guess it's one of those times when we just have to "bite the bullet"...that's what I did, admittedly, I told them individually, starting with the ones I felt sure would be most understanding...lol...there are 6 of them...so I basically had the same conversation six times...by the time I got to the last one, it was a piece of cake...haha...NOT! And I was pleasantly surprised by their acceptance of the idea...they knew their brother well and knew that his greatest wish would have been to for me to find happiness again.

Hope this helps....Blessings & Hugs, ~E~

I'm not going to tell anyone anything unless I am really sure I have a relationship with someone. If I see my friends, I will simply introduce the gentleman. Right now I have nothing to ''declare''. Don't know why, but the idea of ''getting out there'' is not something I want to broadcast. I guess the main reason is I don't want to discuss the in's and out's of any relationships I might have. I think they would be happy for me though, and of course with children, it's important to tell them. My doggy pie is all I have, and she can be easily ''bought'' with a Paul Neumann cookie treat!!!! xoxox Good luck by the way - it's soooo exciting (and scary). Vicki

a few months after my sister died and my brother-in-law starting taking a lady from church out for brunch my brothers didn't take it very well, my other sister told me about it (I was the last to find out) and I said, good for him, it's lonely being by yourself, (I'd been divorced and remembered that the most of all from the first divorce) the loneliness sucks....the brothers came around once my sister told them what I'd said, BUT the thing that bothers all of us is: they got married on a cruise and he still hasn't told any of us, his daughter (our niece) told us and he has a photo frame that the pictures change after a few minutes has a pix of them with their hands crossed on it...so still not sure why he hasn't said anything to any of us, not sure if he's afraid we wouldn't understand or what but it's like I told him when my sister died, Thank you....You did a wonderful job of taking care of AP when she was so sick, thank you for all you did for her. All he said is: what else would he have done, he loved her. So I guess what I'm saying is I'd tell them: I love your sister but I'm moving on with living and if I'm lucky enough to find someone like your sister again I hope you will be happy for me as she showed me what it's like to live, love and be happy and I want that again as I know that is what she'd want me to do. Put it in your own words, be tactful as I'm too blunt, honest etc....hope this helps you, as it's just my opinion...hugs, Sandi

I'm not in your situation but I do believe that if it was me I would wait a bit until you and this lovely lady are a bit more serious. That's just my opinion; but I've never been one to feel everyone has to know everything about my life.
Linda
ps. I do hope you find happiness and love!

I guess what I want to tell my brother in laws is that I am dating, rather than something about this particular lady. It's sort of a small town atmosphere and I would rather tell them than have them find out.

I'm going to see them this coming weekend for the supoerbowl so I guess it would be as good a time as any.

Thanks for your thoughts and experiences.

-Pete-

I think that I would tell them that you have been spending some time with a lovely lady that too lost her loved one and that you have been able to discuss your losses and all the feelings that are a part of the grief journey. You can try to explain to them how lonely your both have been and how nice it is to be with someone that understands. I think you might be surprised at how supportive they could be.

You could pose it as a question "I was thinking about dating, what do you think?" You would be suprised at how people react. Relax, after all, it is your life, and you have to do what's right for you.
Paula

I agree with MrsJRS, Not everything turns out as we'd like. No need getting people upset. They sould understand without question.
Best of luck.
Linda

OK, an update...

Dianne, I liked your approach so I talked with Dianas brothers this last week and at the superbowl party. They couldn't have been more supportive! Her brother Jim told me there was no doubt in his mind how much I loved his sister and how happy she was with me and said he knows Diana would not have wanted me to stay alone. His wife was funny, she said they were surprised that I didn't have someone for them to meet at the party.

I feel happy and relieved and I have another date for this Friday.

Thanks all.

-Pete-

Pete - that's so nice to hear - I'm happy for you. When my husband was in Hospice, my Sister in Law said that I was the best thing that ever happened to Jerry. That was said at a time that I really needed it - I had followed his advance directives, and took him off life support, so I needed to hear that I was doing the right thing, even though that's what he wanted. Good luck on finding love again!!

Good for you Pete.

Hugs, Holly

Pete,
I am so happy that your family is behind you. It is so important to keep those family ties strong. I wish you happiness for the future. We have all had enough sadness in our lives.
Dianne

I liked your reply Paula ,it is very wise and I will remember it for my future.
With human nature as it is, it's amazing how much more alongside and accepting people are if they have figured it out for themselves first, bought into the idea and then even encouraged you - rather than having it introduced as [possibly] an opposing idea and then reacting rather than thinking first. Thankyou!
All the best Pete with all the possibilities the future holds.