I think the topic will just come up, don't force it. Always when a relationship is new the other party wants to learn a little about your past. Heck you'll want to know a bit about their past, right! You are at the age where most are in the "never been married, or divorced" so telling someone that you are a widow might take them back for a moment, not expecting that response. I wouldn't dwell on the subject, answer questions that are not to personal and then move on and have a fun evening.. Hope things work out and you have fun..

I don't know. I met my boyfriend in a grief support group so obviously we knew our circumstances. I have always been upfront with people that I meet about losing my husband. Otherwise they suffer from whiplash when I refer to my boyfriend and then refer to my husband. As an integral and important part of my life it would feel wrong not to talk about him (my husband). Just do what feels natural.

Val

I think it would depend on the person, both you and the one you meet. I tend to be more open than most so I'm sure I would say that my husband died. Of course, by the time I began seeing someone it was a friend of a friend and he was also widowed. It truly remained a friendship until we both moved on separately after almost a year. I am also much older, and that comes into play. I think you will know when the time is right. Sharon

I am wondering the same. . . just met someone today in fact who MIGHT be a possible. . .same age-ish, get along well. . .

I have started dating and I am very upfront with the fact that I am a Widow. I don't want to spend time with someone who can not accept the fact that I still love my Tim.
And with that being said, some will say they are fine with it and then get scared and run.
I have always believed that honesty and openness is the best way to enter a relationship.
Hugs, Sandi

I really don't have an answer for you, other than you are a young woman with many years ahead of you. You deserve a full life and happiness.

I guess what has caused my response is the fact that almost two years after my husband passed away, there is someone that I would really like to know better. I'm not looking for a replacement for my husband, but I would very much enjoy male companionship on occasion. How do I go about it? Sure don't know! It may not even come to fruition, but at a minimum, it does feel good to know that I can experience these feelings. Yay...I'm human!

The subject will come up, it's part of your history. Just be honest and be ready to share. The first time you tell your story to someone will probably be hard. If they can handle it, they may be a keeper. Good luck to you, you deserve to be happy with someone else. Just remember that no one can take his place, he lives in your heart forever.

Paula

I was in an elevator at the Superior Courthouse in downtown L.A. and a strikingly handsome, grey haired man said to me, "I've never seen you before, what floor do you want?" I responded, "I'm here to see my probation officer", 5th floor please.

I was there for a Jury Duty interview but as you can see I'm obviously no where ready to date yet!!!!!

That guy got out of the elevator so fast! I have no idea where that answer came from, I just wanted him to STOP talking to me, he scared me!!!!

If you can actually carry on a conversation with someone of the opposite sex, without scaring them to death.......I say; you're ready!

Roz

that is really funny Roz -- I can't believe you thought so fast to say something that really would get rid of him so quickly!

Seriously, Lisa, how ready can you be to date when you allow another human being, especially a handsome, charming one, think that you're a criminal going to visit your probation officer.

If I do nothing else right, I sure know how to turn off men, don't I?

He had a dark grey suit on with silver grey hair, pearly white teeth with a perfect smile........what the heck is wrong with me? I need serious help don't I!

I told the interviewer I'd be crying my way through any trial and would find everyone innocent, no matter what they did!!!!
E-X-C-U-S-E-D!!!!!

Roz

I was 28 when Mike died and the idea of dating has not crossed my mind. I would say you need to be up front with someone. Will it scare them away....maybe. That is a sure way to weed out the losers. The ones that stick around will appreciate your honesty. Good conversation can build from that. You are right that most people our age are not married yet. Many will say they prefer to date widowers but there are few in our age range. At some point being a widow has to come up in the conversation so I think someone might appreciate you being willing to at least mention it.

Maggie