I think this is a choice that you have to make. You have to be comfortable with the decision you make. I don't think there is a set time limit to anything when you are dealing with the loss of a spouse. At least that's my opinion. As for myself I am at 20 months and I just switched my wedding ring to my right hand about two months ago. Just spur of the moment decision. I wear my husbands ring on my right hand also. Hope this gives you some help. God Bless

I'm at nine months, wearing my ring, and at this point, I cannot imagine wanting a relationship with anyone else. But everyone is different, and each must decide for himself.

At about a year I decided to remove my wedding ring. This was right for me. It now sits nestled with his in his jewelry box. Every once and a while I look at them. I now wear three rings he gave me instead.

At a year I had our rings shaped into hearts and connected. I wear them on a chain around my neck. I wear the engagement ring he gave me on my left hand, but removed the diamond and replaced it with my birthstone, a sapphire. Everyone has to do what feels right to them.

PS there is a picture of the rings on the chain on my page if anyone wants to see it.

The way I looked at it is this: wearing the wedding ring on your hand means that you are married - it's an outward signal to people who don't know you.

But you are not married anymore. The other person has moved on to the next life. How you decide to handle this change in status is up to you.

If you are open to another relationship then it makes sense to take the ring off. The way I looked at it was that as long as we are on this earth we should not squander our time here and try to live a full life as best as we can. Only you can decide where that takes you.

Bob

I lost my Tim in Aug, 2013. I am a jewerly wearer usually 4 rings, one on each thumb and one on each ring finger. My Tim liked to buy me jewerly. I switch my wedding ring with my Mothers ring in Late January. Then I broke my Mothers ring (I was working one our motorcyles, I know I should have taken them off) I also had a reaction under my rings that caused a burn. At that point I took all my rings off and have not put them back on. We both had two wedding rings and we have 2 son's so I gave our Son's their Dads. I am undecided if and when I should wear it again.

I am at 4 years 2 wks. My rings stay put on my left hand ring finger ....where I want them to be.

I thought I would never take my ring off, but just in the past couple of weeks decided to move it to my right hand. On my left ring finger is a ring I had to take off my wife's finger in the ICU. It is a simple silver ring that says "Faith" on the outside. On the inside it quotes 2 Corinthians 5-7, "We live by faith not by sight". I think it kinda represents our status now, Not together on this earth now but having the faith that we will be together again some day. Regardless I will probably always feel married, after 40 years, I don't know much else.

I feel no one has the right to tell you that you should remove your wedding ring. I also don't buy this 'you are no longer married' . To me I felt married for many years after my husband's death. I used to say that I was married but my husband died. Is that possible? No, not legally. But legal is different than our heart and right now your heart needs time to heal. So You be married until the time is right. Sharon

Thanks for all the ideas you've shared. There were several comments made that helped me clarify my own feelings.

I had planned to wear my ring forever. So it gets warmer and I have carpal tunnel and my fingers are inflamed. So I can't wear my wedding ring. I am wearing his wedding band on my third finger and I continue to wear his watch. I wonder will I put it back on when I can. This ring has a story that far extends just being a wedding ring. My husband passed away 10 months ago.

I also still wear both my ring and my husbands on my left hand. I still feel married (it has been 7 months now). I am not sure I will ever feel any differently, but if and when I make a decision to take off my ring, it will be my decision and mine alone.

It has been 7 months since my husband passed away, and 4 months since my Mother passed away. When my Mother passed I inherited her wedding ring along with other rings of hers. Depending on the day I place my Mom's wedding ring or my wedding ring on my left hand and the other on my right. I took two rings one from my husband and one from my Mom and had them melted down into a church key ring I wear that on my left hand middle finger. I truly do not think it matters whether you are looking for a relationship or not as to whether you wear your wedding ring or not. It is up to the individual, it is how you feel, because with a wedding ring on I still get approached for dates. So truly just do what feels right to you! Life is to short to worry about jewelry, enjoy it for what it is... If it feels right do it! God bless you and yours!

I no longer wear my wedding rings, but do wear all the beautiful jewelry he gave me over the years. I just think about that statement until death do us part. It is completely up to each individual on what is right for you. I still love him with all my heart, but know I must move on with my life the best I can.