jenni_s

I wonder if people think grief is contagious, like if they are compassionate and comforting to you, they are going to catch it. I've been widowed for 5 years (next week) and I've just grown accustom to making people uncomfortable. I hope you can find a friend that won't run away at the first sign of emotion. Come here, post often, find friends here. They won't run away. They get it. We get it.

Central Iowa here. Not far from Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska or Minnesota

That's a very difficult encounter, for all parties. Good for NG for being so easy going with the whole deal. It's really unfortunate that your MIL cannot support you finding a new relationship and realizing your new relationship doesn't lessen the one you had with your husband. I wish more people understood rather than instantly judging. I hope Christmas Eve goes well, without too much awkwardness!

Happy you have found love again. My new love is also different. Hope for a new, different love is there!!

Thank you! Yes, new husband is wonderful. I'm very lucky. Significant dates are always triggers. And he tries to comfort me, but I think he's finally realized even though he doesn't like to see me sad, there's nothing he can do but let me have my time and I think that makes our future better. I get to remember and honor my past but it reminds me how lucky I am to have found love not once but twice in my short life. Thank you for the support tonight!!

I don't post much anymore but I lurk occasionally. Today should have been my 5th wedding anniversary with my sweet Nathan. It's harder than I was expecting. I remarried in May and I'm happy with my new husband but I struggle with honoring my late husband without disrespecting my living one. I'm struggling today in particular. I miss him. 5 years ago right now, we were sitting on our couch in our living room opening our wedding gifts. He had his first round of chemotherapy the day before our wedding, so he wasn't feeling particularly well, but we enjoyed our quiet evening at home, together. My husband been quiet today, he knows I need my space to grieve and I appreciate it. I know some of you can relate. How do you balance grieving your dead spouse without disrespecting your living one?