The last thing that may be on your mind after your spouse passes away is to start senior dating.  Obviously, going through the grieving process is essential and you’ll need to surround yourself with the support and love of your friends and family.  Time does indeed heal all wounds, and eventually as you mourn your loss, you may begin to feel lonely.  Dating doesn’t have to necessarily lead to romance and marriage.  But it can help you bridge the gap between marriage and being widowed.  Looking for someone to share activities with might actually help you get over the loss of your loved one.

Many people feel guilty when they start dating after their spouse has died.  There is no reason to feel guilt.  If you do, you may want to join a support group to discuss these feelings.  It’s perfectly natural to feel alone and scared and you may not be willing to start dating.  However, many of the people you will meet on senior dating websites have been through this exact same thing.  They know what it’s like to lose their loved one and they know the loneliness that comes with being alone after being married for such a long time.

If you do decide you are ready to start dating, keep things very simple and casual.  Find an activity partner; someone you can go to dinner or the movies with.  Someone to play cards with or simply take a walk or enjoy a workout together.  If you meet someone in your similar situation, you will have plenty of things to discuss and talk about and you can mutually support each other through this difficult period.

Don’t ever try to force yourself to do something you’re not ready to do.  And remember that by dating someone new, does not mean you loved your spouse any less.  But life goes on and you have to find a way to adjust to this new phase of your life.  Why do it alone? If you are nervous or scared to begin dating again, find a friend or couple who would be willing to double date with you.