How do I know when I'm ready to start dating again after losing my spouse?
There is no one answer. Time is a great healer. But some people jump right in and flourish that way. For example, the idea of replacing a wife who passed away may not be the right approach, but the idea of forming a new bond may be.
Do you feel excited about the prospect of meeting new people? If that's a sad or overwhelming idea, you're not ready. Are you still mentally "married"? Rather than dating, you might be ready for a new activity that helps you feel alive and connected to yourself. It's ideal to enter into a new relationship feeling that you can find joy in your life without your partner. Any new relationship will require enthusiasm. It shouldn't be filling a hole.
Who You Might Meet
Think about what you want. Would you prefer to stay casual? Would you like someone with specific sexual interests? Perhaps you're kinky and never expressed those tastes with your late wife. Why not give yourself that chance? You might actually want companionship and have little interest in sex. Be honest with yourself.
Many people choose online dating sites as the easiest access to a diverse pool of people you probably wouldn't meet any other way. Online dating can also allow you to find out key facts quickly. If you are attached to your cat, weed out people who are extremely allergic. Maybe you smoke cigarettes and need someone to accept that. Be strict: It's easy to get........