For those of us who have lost our husbands after a long marriage, the life story journey through widowhood into dating seems like a strange new world.

For me, at first, some years ago after I emerged from the cloud of grief that hung over me for what seemed an eternity, the idea of going out with some man was strangely enticing. I did want very much to fill the gaping hole of missed-presence. I wanted someone to cook for, someone to go out with, a partner.

I was curious and certainly had expectations that I never realized that I had until I went out a couple of times.

I found myself always thinking, "Mike wouldn't do that,' or "Mike wouldn't say that.'

And none of the guys measured up.

I must admit that I am glad I never ended up with any of the men that I dated during those years.

But it did take me about 7 years to abandon the idea that I wasn't complete somehow and stop looking for someone.

And I know that it was a good thing for me to get to that place. I hadn't ever been on my own really. I'd gone right from college to married life pretty much. So it took me a long time to get to being satisfied and content and happy on my own.