You may find that being a widow and single is hard but you’re happier single then dating. It doesn’t matter what you choose – being single or looking for another relationship – what matters is that you first take the time to be single so you can make an informed decision on your future. We may go looking for another relationship – one that appears to have everything that the previous one had. Just be watchful that the new relationship isn’t a rebound out of loneliness. To find someone again is a blessing if you are in the right place of mind. When Should I Take Off My Wedding Ring? How long does a person wear their wedding ring after their spouse has died? Some take it off in the second year and some never take it off. Perhaps one of the decision makers to start dating again is when your ready to take off your rings. How many times have you thought to yourself: I don’t want to “work” at a new relationship? And how many times has a nagging voice in your head chimed in, well, just live alone then, because there’s no such thing as a toil free relationship. Here it is - I’m going to talk about sex, that forbidden topic that no one wants to bring up. What do you think of when the word sex is mentioned? Most of us tend to be interested, but scared and we react emotionally. The truth is that sex is over emphasized and glamorized by society as a whole. Longing for physical intimacy will depend on your own needs. This may surprise you if it comes soon after your spouse's death, but it is normal and you aren't being disrespectful to your spouse by feeling this way. The funny thing is that married couples think single people get all the action and are free to get all they want, anytime, anyplace – and single people think that married couples are the ones that are having all the fun. Most of us are more or less terrified by the thought of dating. We feel unattractive, unsure of ourselves and fearful of the unknown. Also, we still hear our parents telling us to be careful. At this stage we may even find our grown children telling us the same thing. I can’t give you any magic words of wisdom on this issue. Everyone has their own moral compass about what feels right to them. Take your time with a new relationship because dating too soon (and only you can judge that) may be nothing more than you trying to fill that emptiness in your heart. An important element in the rebuilding of your life is the process of learning to love yourself first. As you love yourself you will attract others to you. If you don’t love yourself, how can you expect anybody else to love you? Have faith in yourself because you are loveable just as you are – this I know.