Whenever you feel ready... There is no rule. I've dated several men. One got me through the discomfort of being in public. Another gave me confidence. One taught me that I can flirt! Another taught me that they can be great guys but not the one for me. The one I am dating right now taught me that chemistry still exists and that we can be great friends first. This one is going somewhere... I hope. He is very caring, fun and attractive. I didn't understand what people meant by a "connection" until I met him.
You do what's right for you. If you think you are ready, then you probably are. It's no big deal.
(If current guy doesn't work out. I am fine. He's taught me more than anyone else about myself.)

I have myself under a self imposed no major decisions rule which means no major decision for the first year. I consider dating one of these major decisions. I do thing about dating again a lot but I am just not ready yet but I am getting closer. I am also concerning about how my family would feel if I started dating before they are ready to handle it. I do talk to them about my desire to date again so they know to expect it when I do decide to date again.

My husband died almost 6 months ago...the thought of being with someone else is something I can't even think about at this point. I am still married in my mind. I don't know what the future has to hold for me...right now I'm too sad to even think past this hour........Colleen

My husband passed 9 months ago. I think it will be good to wait a year because before that you have so much to deal with.. but you can go for a casual outing just to get your feet wet, with some of your girlfriends... I miss him dearly, every second of my day, but I no longer see myself as married... you can not belong to someone that doesnt belong to this world any longer. In my heart, I do, but I am still here and I have to move forward in life. Just really whenever you feel ready, and regardless of how long that takes, it will take some time to get used to the idea.

As everyone has said, there is no set rule. At some point you'll probably just feel it. Because our individual personalities, likes and dislikes, as well as depths of grief are so different there can't be a given time.
In my case I started talking to small groups of people at the dog park and places like that where there was no pressure to be part of a particular group or socialize unless I felt like it.
Whatever you do though, keep in mind that our spouses had very distinct personalities that drew us to them.
That may just happen again.

I think there is a lot to consider. When my dads wife passed he was remarried within 2 years to a great lady who he had taught with for 20+ years. My grandfather remarried within 6 months, (his wife had been ill for years) and it alienated him from his son. For me I still feel married, and im sure I always kind of will. but the question of dating in the far future for me doesn't depend on me. it depends on my kids. when they are old enough to not get there fathers memories confused with the memories of someone new. For me I know that the children I have with my husband come before any one else, always. I would never put my needs before theirs. and as much as my grandfather means to me, I would risk losing a son over it. so although I am not saying you should let your family run your life, just make sure you are giving yourself and them as well, time to prepare and be ready. that way they are there to support you in your next venture.

EDIT...lol...I wouldn't risk losing a son over it.

It IS definitely a personal decision. Widowed first when I was 41 with 3 teenagers and a business to run, I didn't entertain the idea for some time. But four years ago when my husband of 21+ years died, I began dating very soon ... probably because the intimate side of our marriage had been dead (his choice) for a couple of years and we were just two old people living at the same address. Don't be concerned about "what people will think". It's YOUR life. Live it however you FEEL is good.. There is no such thing as appropriate ... that's worrying about other peoples' opinions of you.

Good question. From what I read in self-help books, it is better to wait until you, yourself, can find some happiness being yourself. The amt of time is different for everyone, but I tend to agree with Cliffskat. Waiting at least a yr is a good idea. IF your ready for it. then go for it. Let us know how it turns out.

I agree with the other postings here you will know when you are ready, there is no time limit on this, when you feel ready that will be the time. I have found someoe that makes me laugh again and can share thought and ideas with, right now it is only that but who knows what the future will bring. We are social animals and to cut ourselves off from others is kind of a death all on it own. Don't rush just try to keep moving foward at some point it will feel right to you and then that will be the "time" Just asking the question means you are moving foward and not stuck so good for you.
Best to you Mary,
Jeff