Joined: 5/25/2020
Posts: 390
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How do you answer that question? My DH died in April, and most people I know also knew him, so I hadn't often been asked. Now that people are coming back into the office, post-COVID, I'm meeting some new hires, and this morning I met a new neighbor; people ask "Are you married?"
I don't want to say I'm widowed, because, as far as I'm concerned, I'm still married. (Also I think it can make people feel awkward, especially as I'm on the younger side.) What do you say?
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Joined: 6/21/2019
Posts: 898
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After Sandy died, I continued to wear my wedding ring on my left hand for about 16 months.
That answered the question for about 99% of acquaintances who were curious. Those who knew my wife died didn't need to ask why I continued to wear the ring.
When I was ready to try dating I shifted the ring over to my right hand to let any interested party know I was married but was now single.
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Joined: 7/30/2013
Posts: 6066
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My hubby died in February of last year. I'm 62. He would be 67 if he were still alive. If anyone asks, I just shake my head and say I'm a widow. I don't get asked that question very often because I rarely meet new people. Honestly, I haven't felt married in a long time. His personality changed dramatically very early in the disease. I miss the man that I married, not that poor creature who died last year.
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Joined: 8/2/2018
Posts: 11
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My wife of 41 years died July 2020. I put both of our wedding rings on my key chain. When someone asks if I am married I reply directly, "no, my wife recently died." I have to admit I am handling the grief much better these days. Today when I pass one of the pictures of her around the house I smile and recall a positive memory. I miss her beyond belief but my being constantly sad is not something either of would want. I feel grief is simply the flip side of love. I know she would want me to be as happy as possible.
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Joined: 8/1/2017
Posts: 309
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Yes Garybock, Grief is just love with nowhere to go.
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