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Elderly parents

Dad dating soon after mum died is upsetting and affecting our relationship

128 replies

beckstar2021 · 25/03/2026 15:28

hi all, So parents were married 40+ years, mum passed away last year after a short illness. A few months later dad is looking for a new partner he found one they dated it didn’t work out. So he’s back looking again, he’s posting his photo on socials, joining all the online dating sites locally. Every single time you speak to him he is on about women. I find this very disrespectful & it’s screaming desperate and it is starting to make me resent him & not want to see him. I feel as if mum didn’t matter, & them 40years were nothing, i just feel like he is being very selfish.
I understand he may get lonely but he is still of good health and can be very active , we have suggested many things taken him to find social clubs etc , & he wants female company not male!
I really don’t like the way i am starting to feel towards him, i never hear from him unless i call or chase up, i never get a how are you it’s just all so very self absorbed.
Has anyone else experienced this with a parent when their other parent has been bereaved? i feel like i could scream sometimes!!!!

OP posts:
RoughGuide · 25/03/2026 15:38

I think you need to separate your grief for your mother from your father dating.

You may understandably have complicated feelings about this, but I think all you can do is ask him not to keep filling you in on his romantic life as you find it upsetting, but you respect his right to lead his life as he sees fit.

StiffAsAVicar · 25/03/2026 15:36

Similar OP. You won’t change him. I lost some respect for him/ hold him in lesser high regard but overall just want him to be happy. Whatever that looks like for him. Tell him you’re not interested in hearing about it and enjoy what you can about the relationship.

tedibear · 25/03/2026 15:33

I didn’t vote as it’s such a difficult one. In your shoes I too would be upset and feel it’s disrespectful.

It’s maybe just his way of dealing with his grief, a distraction and something to keep him busy. From experience though, I’ve found it’s not that uncommon for men to get a new partner so quickly.