I have been feeling the same way, that this is a life sentence, often. I was thinking about how it would be impossible to love anyone else like I loved him or trust anyone else. Like I couldn't fall in love again. Since he's gone it feels like all that is over.

I have always heard. you marry 1st time for love...2nd for companionship..3rd, for money?......

I know where you are coming from. I want someone next to me, but I dont want someone else. Those thoughts and all the emotion that comes with them can really beat a person up.

Oh boy Squeege---- I just have to add my 2 cents worth to this.
If your going to talk about this as a life sentence, them by all means lets do it that way. Your young enough and many others on this site to maybe, in time, meet somebody else and sort of get "paroled", because time's on your side, whether you like it or not. Even some of the older ones (no insult intended) have managed to get "paroled".
Look at Sharon and Martha, they have found someone to share their life with even if they at first didn't intend to. That possibility is there for everyone unless of course you definitely don't want to.
Now having said that there are ones on this site and even in responses to this thread that have said "no way". That's the category I fall into. I started my life sentence on Feb 26/1963 and was married for just over 50 years. There are several other ones on here that have been married for close to that long and longer. WE are lifers, and so used to it I personally don't want "parole", I'd be lost out there. So some of us are lifers by choice.
After all that all I can say to you is sit back, get on with your grief and after however many tomorrows it takes or lasts, one day something or someone may just get YOU out on parole, you never know, life's strange that way.
Just Thinking but not always right.

Best Regards, George

George's answer was very creative, and also very accurate. Life is strange and we don't always know what's in store. I was 50 when I met Sam, 62 when I lost him. I didn't expect either event to happen. Just as everyone's grief is different, so too is everyone's life after the loss of a loved one. Take your time, and take care of yourself. God bless you.

It has been six months since my husband died. Every time someone asks me if I would remarry. I tell them no - but then I would add never say never. My husband was the love of my life - we were so different but I think that is what made our marriage interesting. Just before Christmas I took my wedding rings off. Then the other day I took out my anniversary ring put it on my right hand and put my family ring on my left hand. So I am not ready to give up on some of my past.
When I went to counselor last week she told me that it was time for me to meet new people. I told her that yes I would like to meet new female friends. She told me that she wanted me to start meeting both females and males. I told her I was not sure of this. She told me that I will never give myself a chance to have a true new norm if I chose just to meet females. I guess she is right. She told me that I do have to be afraid of forgetting my husband because he would always be there for me. Am I ready for a new love or companion no . If it happens someday that would be okay.

In a way I laugh at those that say I am so young and will find someone else. The look on their face is precious when they suddenly realize just how much baggage I come with and are quick to change the subject.
I will keep my rings on and keep on the way I have kept on so far in my journey. It's all good.

Maggie

I found one good man who actually put up with me would I find another. I even went to an on-line dating site. All I seem to do is be very, very picky. I decided if it happens it happens but I don't think on-line dating is for me. Maybe I am one of those people to be alone for the rest of my life. That's what is so interesting about life we never know what's around the corner.

You hit the nail on the head, as this is exactly the way I feel too. I still wear my wedding band as I believe we are still together in our hearts although not here side by side. I gave myself wholly to Tracey and I don't see how I can betray her. Like you, when we meet again, I feel I want her to see hat there never was anyone but her. she always gave me the freedom once she passed to all in love again, but I dismissed her comments as being morbid and laughed it off. It's been 3 months and I know life and fate play a part. Take care.

Squeege, you are still early on in this journey. I can understand how you feel as I think at some point we all have felt that since our spouse has died is this the life we are suppose to end with ourselves. But there will come a point that you will look at all this differently. I can say yes I miss my husband more than words can say, but I know that he would want me to be happy. Not sure yet how that will fall into place, but at least I can say I am proud to be able to say that. Because a year ago I was not sure about anything. And you have to know that having the thoughts and want to be happy again is no reflection on your wife. This part will come in time. Remember small baby steps through this journey. God Bless Susan

It doesn't sound silly at all. I know exactly what you mean about feeling like it would betray he love you shared. I personally think its really rude for people to assume that because we are young we will bounce back so easily and get back in the game. It's been a year and I still feel like that part of the game is over for me. It feels wrong to even consider loving someone else. I'll never love anyone as much. They'll never get all of me anyway. Just the broken pieces that are left if anyone has that kind of patients.
Don't let anyone pressure you into anything that makes you uncomfortable.

It's been about 6weeks for me and I'm a 24 year old female and feel the exact same way. I use to want kids more than anything in the world we had names picked out and everything a week before he passed he told me what a good mother I would be and I found out later had told his brother he was ready to start having kids. Now that he's gone I never want them. I also feel like its a life sentence and that I'll never want to move on and if wayyy down the road I do I know deep down my heart won't be in it the way it was with Mike and that's not fair to the other person. I feel damaged. The only thing that helps me a little bit is remembering that I don't need someone else in my life to make the most of today.