How long after death of partner before dating?

My parents were together for 27 years when mum died aged 45. That was in 1998, and by July 2001, he had remarried to someone he’d been with for a year. They are still together, but at the time I got a lot of earache from my mum’s side of the family, about it being too soon.

I disagreed, and told them so. Turns out I, and my dad and stepmum, were right.

No one else has to live with you, so do as you please.

I would judge you..

I can only comment having lost my Dad not that long ago, and I'm still feeling fairly emotionally fragile if I'm honest. But if you're feeling mentally strong enough to cope with all that dating entails, I'd wish you the very best of luck.

But you will be judged by some.

There is a theory that those who had settled contented relationships are ready sooner, because there is no unfinished business and they are more at peace with the bereavement... And those who had tempestuous relationships are reliving the trauma for longer.

Not saying it's gospel, just a theory.

Whatever you do, some busybody will disapprove. Do what you want to do, OP. I am sorry for your loss.

I know someone who started dating about 4 months after her DH died and her relationship with her young adult children has never recovered.

I wouldn’t judge you but in your place I would be discreet and keep it pretty quiet.

Good luck.

I'm sorry to hear about your partner.
I guess it depends on when you are ready to and for the right reasons.

If you are ready, then you are ready.

With deference to the feeling of others who were very close to the deceased (any non-adult children in particular), you are the one still alive who has to carry on with your life.

Fwiw: I was starting to think about it around the 9m mark and started "window shopping" online dating. I see up a proper profile around 11m. I stated talking to and then met my new partner at 14m. In retrospect I was no where near ready, but I worked through that - I probably would have had to do that however long it had been.

You should do whatever feels for right for your happiness OP ❤️