Finding love after losing a loved one

On average today we are living longer and continuing to enjoy fulfilling relationships, but what happens if you lose the person you thought would be your life long companion? Is it wrong to seek companionship in another person? How soon is too soon? It is hard to overcome the loss of a loved one, especially if you have cared for them through long-term illness and have shared a lot of fond memories over the years. However, the desire to be loved is natural and you may find yourself drawn to someone new after your partner has passed away. It may be easy to find someone who is interested in long walks, however if you are looking for someone to love and rekindle a satisfying full sexual relationship with it may be more difficult. Your feelings of happiness and caring may be met with extreme guilt making it difficult for you to move on and you may worry you are moving on too soon. If you are unable to overcome your difficulties alone it may help to talk to a medical professional such as a doctor or a therapist about your concerns. You will be surprised to find that old stereotypes about widowed men and women have changed and that you are no longer expected to spend the rest of your days mourning your lost loved one. You may even find that family and friends encourage you to move on, and are fully aware that being with someone new does not diminish your love for your late partner.

Worries about betraying your husband or wife will inevitably surface, but if you feel ready to be with someone else then there is no reason you should not give this new relationship a try. Who knows this may be the beginning of a wonderful and rewarding partnership.

There may be some differences the second time round. You might not feel as though you are being swept off your feet or going through an emotional rollercoaster, but instead you might feel more confident and sure of what you are experiencing. Familiar feelings will surface and you may even feel sexual desire. Start slowly and see where the relationship leads you, talk to your partner and find out whether they feel the same way as you do. Communicating with your partner is extremely important. Tell them your feelings, desires and worries, and encourage them to open up to you too. Good communication will bring you closer together and will make sex better. Romance is good for your health and quality of life, so it make sense to make time for your partner and personal relationship. Some experts believe that an active sex life is key to a longer and happier life and many over 50s say their sex life is better now than it was in their 30s and 40s.

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