1. If you must date within the first year or two of a partner’s death, please be thoughtful and respectful of other grieving family members. They will appreciate and love you for it.
2. Do not expect them to welcome or accept your new partner as a replacement of their son or daughter.
3. If you live in a small town, let your in-laws know that you are dating. Indicate that you want them to hear it from you, rather than someone else.
4. Do not go into details or introduce the new partner, unless the family asks questions or indicate that they’d like to meet your significant other.
5. Your need for acceptance and approval is NOT more important than a family’s need for time to grieve.
6. Do not bring your date or new spouse, to an in-law family gathering, unless 18 months have past since the death, or he/she has been invited. If in doubt, ask the host.
More reading: grieving in-laws
