I believe everyone is different. I know two men who were dating women just two months after their wives had passed away. Interestingly both men are still with those women but did not marry them. It seemed more like a way to just avoid being alone. On the other hand I don't know any women personally who have dated, let alone remarried, after their spouses died. I know that I am planning to wait at least a year before i give my heart to someone else mostly because i still am in love with my dear husband and don't want to end that yet. But there is no reason you can't go out and be treated well by someone if you want to. Best wishes!

All right sweetie let's get some things straight. You are alive and need human company. Do not feel guilty. This is totally normal. It is great you have a friend that you can talk to and rely on, again do not feel guilty.
The unwritten or unspoken thought is that you feel that you are replacing your husband. Don't worry, you are not. However that being said, YOUR guidelines, desires and wishes are what needs to be followed. Not your friends, not the worlds. YOURS.
If you feel your friend wants something more and you don't, be really clear. I did not start a relationship with my current boyfriend until after my husband had been dead for two year. But we were friends a year before that and totally clear with each other about our relationship. Baby steps and slow movement are what is advisable right now because you are in a whirlwind of grief and might make a decision you regret later.
BUT THIS IS YOUR LIFE! NO GUILT!
Hugs,
Val

My husband passed 10 months ago. He and I were friends (casual) with a neighbor couple in our community. The neighbors wife died over two years ago. While my husband was ill, he offered to do anything he could to help. After my husband passed, again he offer to listen if I wanted to talk. Recently we have been meeting for coffee in a public place, He told me he does not want to get involved with anyone and I have said the same thing to him. We enjoy talks and coffee, I feel it is like a therapy session sharing about our spouses. He is nice to me, I enjoy the time and conversation, I see NOTHING wrong with it. I don't feel guilt and also don't care who finds out about it...baby steps...one at a time....I don't read anymore than that into it, I just enjoy the moment.

A family friend died suddenly they had been married 45 years, she had a friend that she talked to, etc. A year passed and she married him cause she was in love with this other man. She is a minister of a local church. She said she couldn't wait to get him in bed. Her son was beside himself...

Just my novice experience . . . we all are in need of 'company' . . . ; just remember that you are in a vulnerable state of mind right now. I remember a dear girlfriend that passed and her husband wanted to lean on me too much, expected too much from me . . I couldn't deal; although we were all good friends. Be careful with your need for companionship right now. Friends are golden, for sure. Thank God for them, just be careful of your vulnerability (and possible agendas from the other).

Big cyber hug, thoughts and prayers are with you. xo, Dayna

I wish I could give you some good advice but the truth is I have no idea. But hang in there. My wife told me to find someone else when I'm ready. I don't feel like I'll ever be ready to tell the truth. But things always change. I think the important thing is to be able to give yourself fully to someone without having doubts or second guesses.

Thank you all for your advice and support, I really appreciate it. Hugs to all.