Dating a widower feeling second best

Most widowers start dating long before their children, close friends, and family are ready to see them with other women. But widowers who are ready to open their hearts again will find the strength and courage to do it. Never tolerate being treated like some dirty little secret. Remember, men express their true feelings through their actions.

Losing a spouse is one of the most difficult things a person can experience. But if the widowed person is able to move on and find love again, it can mark a brand-new chapter in their life. In a recent AskReddit thread , widows and widowers who later found a new spouse to whom they're happily married opened up about whether they still think about their late husband or wife Grab some tissues, because this one's a tear-jerker. It was a lot and not something I could even begin to put into words. Some really rough days — even tiny things you don't think about will catch you off-guard.

So often my clients ask about dating a widower. Is it a red flag? Should I proceed with caution? Is it a losing proposition?

It is a completely normal reaction to feel second best when dating a widowed partner. When dating someone who has experienced the loss of their partner, it's important to check in with your own emotional process often and ensure that the relationship is the healthiest choice for you. You may be experiencing a range of emotions throughout the dating process with some emotional intensity depending on how invested you are in the relationship. It is normal to feel jealous, anxious , scared, competitive, angry, and saddened. You may feel guilty and upset that your partner lost someone they loved so much.