The question of when—or if—to date again after the death of a partner is deeply personal.
There is no universal timeline, no milestone that tells you it’s time, and certainly no “right way” to go about it. Instead, there is only your own journey, shaped by your grief, your healing, and your evolving sense of self.
For some, the idea of dating again feels like a betrayal of their late partner or their love story. For others, it sparks a mix of excitement and fear—perhaps even guilt. And for many, there’s uncertainty. Some days, dating might seem like a possibility; other days, it might feel completely out of reach.
Signs You Might Be Ready (or at Least Curious)
There’s no checklist for readiness, but here are some questions to reflect on:
- Do you feel an openness—however small—to the idea of companionship?
- Are you interested in connecting with someone, even if you don’t know in what capacity?
- Have you found ways to honor your past relationship while making space for future possibilities?
- Are you able to acknowledge feelings of guilt or hesitation while still considering what you want?
- Do you feel comfortable talking about your late partner with potential new connections?
If you don’t have clear answers to these questions, that’s completely okay. This process isn’t about certainty—it’s about exploration. That’s why I offer a workshop on dating after loss—a space to process these feelings with others who understand.
You don’t have to have everything figured out to start this conversation. You are welcome, exactly as you are.






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