Why Don’t You Get Out There & Date???

Are you tired of hearing these questions?

  • Why are you so picky
  • What are you waiting for
  • Are you putting yourself “out there”

Singles are “singled” out everywhere

There is no denying that our society functions on the assumption that two is better than one. Our well-meaning friends constantly remind us that we are “different” and need to be fixed. We often have to pay EXTRA for a single room rate when travelling and there is even a ‘widow’ penalty on car insurance forcing us to pay a higher price than when we were married.

Life as a widow can be more expensive and certainly lonelier – especially when most of your social circle is partnered.

Some remain single because they choose to do so. Others eventually hope to find a partner. Yet, it’s not as easy as many suggest.

The facts

Approximately 2% of older (65+) widows and 20% of older widowers remarry. (Smith, Zick, & Duncan, 1991). The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that each year, out of every 1,000 widowed men and women ages 65 and older, only 3 women and 17 men remarry.

Finding a partner is not a ‘widows’ only issue – it effects everyone. Remarriage among both the divorced and widowed has dropped by almost 40 percent in the last 30 years. Still, remarriage after bereavement is much lower than that of divorce. It seems that we seek comfort in what we know. Most widowed people often marry other widows.

After age 50, the population between available men and women is no longer even

Women live longer than men so there are much fewer men available. Increased widowed baby boomers will add even more women into the mix. Plus, who doesn’t know a man who is dating a much younger woman?  It is more socially acceptable for a man to date someone decades younger. This offers men a much larger population to dip into (if they are heterosexual).

Nearly 100% of couples have a partner who dies

It’s a gift if you are able to find ‘the next chapter’. Someone who can comfort and love you is often the goal for many who are alone. But, it’s not an easy task. So, how do we keep others from making us feel even more badly about ourselves and our situation?

What to say when someone asks you about dating again?

When approached about still being single (and you shall be over and over again), consider:

  1. offer up some of the statistics mentioned above
  2. explain that it makes you feel even more uncomfortable about your own self-worth and it is emotionally draining when told that ‘replacing’ your partner should not be difficult
  3. suggest that THEY introduce you to someone. Let them show you how easy it is!!

In time, a partner may come into your life.

Until that time, the best gift is to include & welcome us – partnered or single. Let’s open the gate to true, non-judgmental friendship and kindness.

Forever evolving

About 

On May 20, 2014, Susan’s world came crashing down. Her 54-year old husband passed unexpectedly of a heart attack. The years since have been a whirlwind of emotion, trauma & joy (yes, she said joy, thanks mostly to the birth of her grandchildren).

Over the next 5 years, Susan experienced additional heartache following the death of her dad & both of her brothers. She knew her only way to make sense of all her grief was to find a way to use her experiences to help others.

Now, armed with a grief educators certificate from David Kessler, a coaching certificate, her learned experience and inspiration she has set out to make a difference in the lives of the bereaved.

Living with loss is a lifetime challenge. When someone dies, friends and family rally around the bereaved for a short time. Soon after, the conversation changes from one of comfort to one of anticipation and judgement. The bereaved are given a time frame to “get over it”. This antiquated notion leaves no option but to grieve in silence. Often silence can become isolating and cause mental and physical health issues.

Susan educates society on how to help those who are grieving by using her voice to speak up and share her learned and lived knowledge.

Susan encourages collaboration and dialogue so please reach out to her at evolve beyond grief on her website, Facebook and Instagram.

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Susan Kendal

On May 20, 2014, Susan’s world came crashing down. Her 54-year old husband passed unexpectedly of a heart attack. The years since have been a whirlwind of emotion, trauma & joy (yes, she said joy, thanks mostly to the birth of her grandchildren). Over the next 5 years, Susan experienced additional heartache following the death of her dad & both of her brothers. She knew her only way to make sense of all her grief was to find a way to use her experiences to help others. Now, armed with a grief educators certificate from David Kessler, a coaching certificate, her learned experience and inspiration she has set out to make a difference in the lives of the bereaved. Living with loss is a lifetime challenge. When someone dies, friends and family rally around the bereaved for a short time. Soon after, the conversation changes from one of comfort to one of anticipation and judgement. The bereaved are given a time frame to “get over it”. This antiquated notion leaves no option but to grieve in silence. Often silence can become isolating and cause mental and physical health issues. Susan educates society on how to help those who are grieving by using her voice to speak up and share her learned and lived knowledge. Susan encourages collaboration and dialogue so please reach out to her at evolve beyond grief on her website, Facebook and Instagram.

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