@otroo

I didn’t start dating until 2 years after my first husband died. It just kind of happened. I had one casual relationship and then found my current husband. However, you never HAVE to start dating. You don’t have to do anything. Everything is still really raw right now so I understand that’s it’s not even something you can think about, and I would expect the same from your mother and daughter as well. Hell I think my ex MIL was still salty when I married my current husband this October, even though she likes him.

I’m also glad you put your friend in his place. People always have **** to say regarding another’s grief. I remember at my first wedding our grandmother made my brother cry by telling him he should be “over” our dad’s death by now (now meaning 12 years ago.). Of course she was born in 1923; stoicism prevailed. But yeah, you do you and follow your own grief path. I’m glad you recognize that that is perfectly acceptable.