OK…you now find yourself a 50+ widow/widower with a bit of living left to do.
You enjoy your time with family and friends. Your days are full with trips to the gym, taking a Tai Chi class, knitting or tutoring grandchildren. Yet, something was missing.
Ah, yes…companionship was what was missing for me. “No”, I did not need a man to build my life around, but I knew that I wanted a man in the building of my new life.
Where the devil do you start? There ain’t a “Safe Man/Woman for the New Widow/Widower Store!”
My suggestion is that you start with yourself.
You have to make sure that you are “whole” before you attempt to become “part” of someone else. Examine your motives for starting a relationship.
Do you want one because you are lonely? If so, if that person doesn’t work out, you will just find yourself lonely again.
Firmly decide on your wants vs your needs in a relationship and try not to compromise. You may have to tweak what you want in an ideal partner, but there may be some deal breakers.
Financial and health concerns are key considerations in evaluating a new relationship. At this point in our lives, we shouldn’t knowingly take on a lot of weight in a new relationship.
Take your time and form a friendship. A strong friendship will outlast any romantic relationship. If you find out along the way that you are in love with a friend, it is a win-win relationship for everyone.
We are in the prime of our lives and the best is yet to come.
Photo Credit: scarlett.photo Flickr via Compfight cc
I really like your post.It’s crucial to be okay on your own and develop your own interests before looking for a partner. I think it’s also important when starting to date after a long time, to take it slow and figure out what you want. At this stage of life, marriage is not always the end game, and that’s okay.