One of the reasons why it's hard to get back into socializing and meeting new people is the fear of being asked that dreaded question - "How long have you been married?"

Of course I could have just taken my wedding rings off, but I didn't want to and so that left me open to questions that made me uncomfortable.

But one evening while out with a group of old and new friends I was asked, "How long have you been married?"   My heart quietly began to feel my response - "I've been married for twenty seven years".

You see, Donnie's death did not reverse the years of our married life.  I will always have been married for twenty-seven years and Donnie is part of my inner self that cannot be removed by death.

I did eventually take off my wedding rings and I had them made into two pendants, one for my daughter and one for myself.  But that was years after Donnie's death and not until I was ready.

You can and should be socializing, but only when you are comfortable. It's your choice whether you wear your wedding rings or not - don't let others rush you.