Widowed Life: When Do You Stop Wearing Your Wedding Ring? (2024)

One of the most difficult and complex decisions for a widow or widower is often what to do with your wedding and engagement rings. When I was widowed suddenly at 45, I wore my rings for a long time. It was alternately pain and comfort to do so…a tangible reminder of the love that I had sworn to hold, “til death do us part.”

But death didn’t part us. John wasn’t here, but the love I held for him existed and wearing my ring was a reminder of that love. Sometimes I would look at my ring and cry, other times I would touch the ring gently with my other thumb, remembering the love we shared.

Thanks for reading Maggie Moore The Widow Coach! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Everyone reacts differently to the loss of a spouse and the detonation of your world that follows. People often keep their partner’s things for stability, but later feel overwhelmed by the reminder of what they lost. That pain is almost physical, and brutal.

Nothing is more symbolic, and public, of that shared life than a wedding ring.

Why Wear Your Rings After Your Spouse Died

Your Ring is a Symbol of the Love You Had

It is a welcome symbol of the love that you don’t want to forget. Wearing rings shows the world that you committed to another. Often, it becomes a part of our identity, a familiar weight, so much so that we forget we are wearing it. It becomes a part of our identity..

Your Ring Helps You Connect with Your Spouse

Often, wearing a ring helps you to feel closer to your spouse and reconnect with the love you have had. Sometimes, you feel their presence. In the early years after his death, I felt John’s presence when I wore the ring. It brought me comfort on my darkest days after losing him.

Rings Provide a Sense of Safety and Security

The ring represents our identity as. My husband and I were so connected that when he died, I had to reconstruct parts of my identity without him. My husband and I were so intertwined that attending events alone made me anxious. Many widows and widowers feel this way.

If it brings you comfort, then there is no harm in wearing your wedding ring for as long as it makes you feel safe. The transition to living without your partner will take time to get used to. You should do whatever you need to do to make the process less scary.

You wear your ring as long as you need to.

Taking the Ring Off Can Fill You with Guilt or Anxiety

Removing your ring can feel complex. The first time I removed my ring, it filled me with a sense of guilt. Sometimes we feel that removing the ring is a betrayal, that we did not love or respect our spouse. I wondered if by removing the ring; I was somehow betraying the love we had shared for seventeen years of marriage. We worry that removing wedding rings can give the impression that we’ve forgotten or don’t value our partner or marriage.

Besides guilt, we can also feel anxiety. Both widows and widowers tell me often that when they first remove the ring, it goes right back on. The anxiety can be crippling and almost feel unbearable, which drives us to put the ring back on. It can trigger the guilt, or a feeling of heartache.

Removing your ring does not mean ANY of these things. It is not a loyalty test for how long or how well you loved your spouse. Removing your ring does NOT change or remove the feelings for your partner. It does NOT remove or erase the love you shared. While everyone can see if you remove your ring, the reason and timing are your own business, not anyone else’s.

Eventually, we all hit a point where we come into conflict about wearing our rings versus taking them off. What you decide to do should be your decision. Consider what the best version (the good version) of your spouse would want for you. They would NEVER want you to be in pain.

For some of us, the relationship was more complex-perhaps your spouse was struggling with an addiction, a mental illness, or a physical one. Perhaps they were not kind to you at the end. Those feelings can make removing your rings even more complex. You can work through those feelings with a professional and include your feelings about the ring. I work with my clients on a visualization exercise to unpack feelings around the ring.

Removing Your Ring Tells the World You are Single

Often, in our widowed world, we suddenly start to encounter people around our orbit who are single. Some of them are friends, some express interest. The truth is, we need time to grieve after our spouse dies. We cannot even begin to consider if to date, let alone if to remarry.

Taking our rings off might feel like we are declaring we are single, and that is something we may not be ready for. Removing my ring felt risky, like I was ready to allow someone to date me and I still couldn’t imagine being with anyone else romantically. The thought of it made me physically ill, like I was cheating on my husband. In my head, I was still married.

Wearing the ring was a reminder in my head that my heart was still taken, that my heart was safely tucked away with the man I loved, even though he was dead.

Wearing your ring doesn’t symbolize any of these things. Your commitment is in your heart and memories.

Share Maggie Moore The Widow Coach

When Should You Remove the Ring After Your Spouse Dies?

That is not the question to ask. The first question is, do you want to remove the ring?

First, this is not a “WHEN” decision, it is an “IF” decision. You do not have to do anything you don’t want to, including wearing or removing your ring. Often widows continue to wear their rings while they date with partners who are okay with that fact. Others remove the ring and replace it with another and date. Your reasons are up to you and no one else.

If You Decide to Remove the Ring, When is the Right Time?

There is no right or wrong time frame. Grieving the loss of a spouse is a process where we take apart the old life and build a new one. It’s a bit like poking a bruise from an injury…it hurts so much at beginning, but over time, the pain fades and we can use that arm again. As you slowly rebuild a new life from pieces of the old and add new things, there may come a time when it feels right to take off your rings or not. One day, you will recall your life with your partner with smiles instead of tears. Memories will bring joy, not pain.

You don’t forget or “move on” after your partner passes. Instead, you move forward, connecting pieces of your prior life with your new one. To move forward, you may need to keep some parts of your old life in a special place and make room for new possibilities.

How you decide to handle everything in your life, including your ring, depends upon what you feel comfortable with as you create your new life.

How To Handle Questions About Wearing or Taking off Your Ring:

Below are some common questions I deal with about rings and some ways to respond that preserve your independence:

He’s Gone. Why Haven’t You Taken Your Ring Off?

This is a common question from friends and family who have a set “timeline,” for grief in their heads and think you should share it. The key here is to set a boundary gently and firmly. “Thank you for your concern. I’m grieving on my time and I am right on track. It is common and expected within the widowed community that we decide if, when, and how to remove our rings. There is no set timeline for this, regardless of what myths may be out there. However, I can use your help with….”

Why did you take your ring off so soon? (can question, or accusatory)

This is a common question from friends and family who have a set “timeline” for grief in their heads and think you should share it. If the person has a relationship with your partner, they may struggle with their own grief and projecting it on you. There may be a cultural expectation that you are “forever widowed.” All of this has exactly NOTHING to do with you. Their expectations are their expectations.

Again, it is best that you take control of the situation, gently but firmly. You might say something like, “Thank you for your concern. I’m grieving on my timeline and I am right on track. Am doing exactly what my spouse/partner wanted. It is common and expected within the widowed community that we decide if, when, and how to remove our rings. There is no set timeline for this, regardless of what myths may be out there.

· If the person is not related to your spouse, you can ask them for help or redirect the conversation with a change of topic:..” However, I can use your help with….”
· If the person is related to your spouse or has an emotional connection (close friend or sibling), you can reaffirm the relationship and reiterate your boundary. “I realize this is difficult for you to understand because you are not widowed. It changes exactly nothing about how much I loved your brother/sister/friend/son/daughter/cousin-I will grieve him/her for the rest of my life and love them until the day I die. My only choice in this world is to move forward, not on, and build a new life that has both the foundation of our love and the ability to love some more. The way we explain it is that when you have a second child, you don’t stop loving the first. Your heart just makes room for more.”

Our American culture is built on romantic myths that you can only have ONE love and there is room for only ONE love in your life. There is a perception that true love is only available to one person per lifetime. Widowhood calls all of that into question.

The truth is that we can love more deeply after widowhood and in a new way, because we are fundamentally changed.

As we move forward in our grief process, the question comes up: what to do with our rings?

When to decide what to do with your rings:

I strongly suggest you don’t do anything with your rings for a few months until you feel better and in control. In my conversations with widows and widowers, one huge regret I hear is that they parted with the ring suddenly (sold it), and did not give a chance for the grief to settle. If that is financially a strain, then do what you need to do and accept that your spouse would want you to be secure.

Memorable Things You Can Do with Your Rings:

Below are some suggestions for what you can do with your rings. They are not the only options and I hope you comment on others you found useful. I want these to inspire to make the best choice for you.

1. Move Your Ring to Your Right Hand.

For many of us, moving the ring to the right hand can signify that you are a widow or are no longer married. It is a good first step, but please don’t feel guilty if you move to your right hand and find it back on your left. I did this for a while. Please note that in the U.S. and U.K., people usually wear wedding rings on their left hand. However, in other countries, they wear them on their right hand. So, if you travel internationally, please be prepared for possible confusion. Consider your wedding ring set as your widow ring set, to take small steps towards your new life.

2. Wear Your Rings On A Necklace.

I have a dear widowed friend who wears her rings on a beautiful chain around her neck. She “keeps him close to her heart” and I love that sentiment. Some wear their rings and those of their spouse around their neck.

3. Redesign Your Rings into A New Piece of Jewelry.

Perhaps you want to keep the ring close to you, but redesign it to fit your new life. It’s a beautiful way to bring your old life into your new life. A good jeweler can transform your stone in a few different ways:

· You can ADD a memorial diamond and incorporate something special, like a lock of hair or your spouse’s ashes. There are companies that specialize in this and then you can take the diamond to your jeweler and refresh the ring in a new design.

· Create a new ring by moving stones from your engagement or wedding band.

· Take stones from your engagement or wedding band and move them into a pin or necklace.

· Transform the metals of your rings and band into a pendant.

· Re-combine the stones and metal into a new set of earrings.

· Use the metals from your rings to create an engraved coin or other jewelry item.

· You could add a personal touch if you have your spouse’s fingerprint. They can etch fingerprints on the inside of the jewelry or in another spot. Some options for fingerprint jewelry include keychains, pendants, metal bookmarks, etc. You also can pair fingerprint jewelry with a quote, or as the background.

· Refashion rings as a new piece of jewelry (a cross, etc.).

· Remake the rings as a memorial ring, either with or without a spouse’s ashes (cremation jewelry.).

4. Pass It On As An Heirloom to Another Family Member.

Gifting your ring to a family member is a personal decision. It can be a lovely way to send the circle of love you had with your husband to a family member. I think of the jewelry (and my husband’s watches) that I have gifted as passing on the cycle of love.

Once you do that, know that the family member may not use it in the same way. The family member may use it to create an original piece of jewelry or may sell or exchange it for other things. That does not change the love, it just changes form.

You can gift your rings in various ways:

· For loved ones to use on their wedding day as rings.
· For loved ones to redesign into their wedding rings.
· For loved ones to sell or exchange to get a beautiful ring or other thing that is important.
· As a gift or a special occasion: graduation, birthday or milestone occasion.

5. Create a Memorial Display and Use the Rings in It.

When my grandfather passed, my mother created a shadow box with some key items from his life and hung it in the hall. I smile every time I see it and remember the time he took me fishing in the mountains.

You can purchase a display case online, have one made, or even make your own shadow box with photos and keepsakes of your loved ones. One thing to note is that if you do, consider using archival safe paper and inks so your photos stay colorful. A good scrapbook store like Cut It Out Scrapbbook can help you with this process.

You can hang the display on a wall, put it in a place with other mementos of your spouse. Wherever you choose to display, make sure it is personal and secured.

You can keep the rings in an engraved jewelry box or a trunk, sitting with other memorial items.

6. Add it to the Memorial Location (Cremation Urn or Gravestone).

There are several ways you can do this:

· Bury them with your partner: My husband had two rings, one that he wore for heavy, detailed work that was a lower carat that held up better than the softer gold one that was his actual wedding ring. When it came time to bury him, I buried him with his ring because he told me if anything happened; he wanted to carry that love with him to the afterlife. You can discuss with your funeral director how you want the ring interred with your partner on their hand, or close to their heart are some examples.

· Add them into the design of the Urn: If your spouse is cremated, you can incorporate your wedding bands into the urn design. A talented designer who understands your vision can do this either before or after you receive the urn. If you want your rings added into the walls of the urn itself, that may not be something you can do if your partner died suddenly, as mine did. Being flexible with your approach to achieve your goal is important. But there is something sweet about having your rings close to your spouse.

· Have your rings set into the headstone: This will require additional time, effort and planning to set the rings into the headstone for your spouse. However, if you do so, consider that you do not make them overtly visible. Unfortunately, cemeteries get robbed (sometimes for things like bronze vases) and it would be an additional source of grief if your rings were taken. One widow I know had a ring design chiseled into the headstone and had her rings set underneath it.

7. Plant it with a Memorial Garden.

Another thing to consider is to plant it with a memorial garden. For some widows and widowers, planting a tree or a group of their favorite plants could be a comforting way to remember their spouse and honor the cycle of life. Some find this “returning to the earth” a comforting way to remember a partner.

One thing to consider is if you are doing this in a backyard. You may move in the future (in fact, you are likely to do so if statistics are any sign). If you want to take that with you to your new home, then consider marking it with a marker or burying it in a box so you can reclaim and replant in your new home.

8. Put it on a Furry Family Member’s Collar.

For many of us, our pets are simply another member of the family. You could consider putting the ring on your pet’s collar, especially if the furry family member is your spouse’s pet. However, if you choose to do this, please discuss with your veterinarian ways to keep your pet safe, such as with a breakaway collar and the ring with it.

9. Send Your Ring Off In A Ceremonial Farewell.

For some widowed, it feels right to bid farewell to their rings. Some do this if they had a complicated relationship with their partner and releasing the ring is part of a rebirth ceremony. These farewells can be deeply private or shared with friends at a party. Here are some send-off ideas:

· Tossing it in the ocean in a bottle with a farewell note,

· Sending it up in the air in a floating lantern,

· Leaving it in a place that was deeply personal to you and your partner,

· Throwing a party with your closest friends and then sending your ring off,

· Take a bucket list trip and bring your spouse along.

o One widow I know went to Kilimanjaro with her ring (a bucket list trip for her and her husband). She left the ring and some of his ashes on the mountain where he could always see the sunrise.

Some widowed choose to replace their wedding rings with cremation jewelry or “launch rings” (more about that in a later post)

10. Bring it to Ordinary or Special Occasions.

Missing your spouse in the weeks and months can be hard. Many widows and widowers bring their spouse “along” in several ways using rings:

· Wearing rings around your neck on a chain.

· Incorporating the rings into a place setting at the dinner table.

· Hanging a ring and a picture on the Christmas tree at the holidays.

· I carried my spouse’s ring for luck during important speeches and meetings. His ring always traveled with me home for Christmas during the first few years.

· For milestone events, like a high school or college graduation.

11. Create Art with the Rings.

If you are an artist, or an aspiring one, you can take rings and incorporate them into your art. A widow made a pottery sculpture of hands with hers and her husband’s rings and placed it on her wall with their vows.

Another created a display by getting a wedding picture etched into a 3d block of plastic and put their rings into a beautiful clear crystal ring box on top.

Even if you are not artistic, you can find and ask an artist (commission) one to do something personal to you. The internet is full of memorial ideas and whatever you create should be personal to you.

12. Display it in a Frame.

You can buy a beautiful picture frame or shadow box frame and display your ring with items from your life together. We can find inspiring quotes all over the internet, or a copy of your wedding vows and you can incorporate pictures from your wedding if you like.

You can often find beautiful frames at antique stores-simply replace the art with your display.

This allows you to incorporate your spouse’s loving presence in your home and can remind you of memories and moments that you cherished together.

13. Sew it into Clothing for a Special Day.

You can sew a ring into clothing, but I don’t recommend this as a regular practice because we can lose it in the washer or dryer. I know of one widow who sewed into the inside of a purse that was her “go to” so she could carry him with her.

A widower added his wife’s ring to his favorite tie (with some very strong thread) so he could take her with him to the office.

One thing that is a sweet idea is to sew the ring (again, with strong thread) into a wedding gown or a tuxedo for your child(ren) on their wedding day. In this way, their parent will be with them. However, be sure to REMOVE BEFORE return a rented tux or before that dress goes to the cleaners!

But What If I Want (or Need) to Get Rid Of My Wedding Ring

How we feel about our rings is deeply personal. While many people are emotionally attached to their rings and will hold on to them, not everyone feels the same way. And that is completely okay.

I suggest you postpone deciding about your rings until you have resolved your situation, even if your relationship or marriage was complicated.

But it may not be possible for everyone.

Sometimes your situation will be different:

· You may not feel your ring has sentimental value now that your partner is gone, simply because you are not wired to associate sentiment with material things.

· Your marriage or partnership may have been strained or difficult and the ring is a reminder of that turmoil and is detrimental to your healing. You may feel relief that the marriage has been ended by your partner’s passing.

· You may be in a financial situation where you need to raise money to keep yourself afloat if your situation is precarious.

In those circ*mstances, there are some other, non-traditional options to consider:

1. Sell the ring: Engagement and wedding sets have value for re-sale and for being used to create new jewelry. You could re-direct the funds from the sale to:

· Reduce debt;
· Pay for bills, such as a mortgage or funeral costs;
· Give the money to children or grandchildren for things like a home, wedding or college education;
· Invest the proceeds to increase your financial security;
· Use it for yourself

Regardless of what you choose, get the ring appraised to understand it’s value. Further, if you choose to sell it, get multiple quotes from multiple sources in order to get a good understanding of what the jewelry is worth.

Places to sell the ring:

· Auction houses (in-person or online): Research online or in-person auction houses carefully to avoid being scammed or cheated out of the true value of your jewelry.

Sell it using an online retailer.There are multiple online retailers that you can use. Be sure to check that the one you use has protections for both buyers and sellers.
Sell it using Online Classified Ads: Most online classified ads sell multiple things (goods, job openings, rental apartments) and have a jewelry section. While this may be the fastest option, make be sure that you take safety precautions when completing the transaction.
- Bring a friend along when completing the transaction;
- Complete the transaction in a public area: some place safe, like near a police station;
- Take precautions: This is a private sale.

2. Donate the Rings: Consider donating it to a person or to a charity. You could call a charity that your spouse or partner valued and see if they will accept the ring as a donation. Be sure you have it appraised prior and have consulted with your tax professional so you understand what paperwork is needed. Or, you could give it to a person who cannot afford a wedding ring;

3. Exchange it or sell it at a Pawnshop: You can take your wedding set to a pawnshop and sell it for money or exchange it for something else. Some widowed choose to sell the rings for cash, or exchange it for something else. This can be a way to signal to yourself that you are moving forward with your new life;

4. Sell it to a Gold/Jewelry Dealer: Some gold and jewelry dealers are specialists in wedding jewelry, just as some deal in rare coins. As always, get multiple estimates before choosing this route to sell your valuables, since you deserve to get full value for your set.

Wedding Ring Frequently Asked Questions

Who gets wedding rings after death?

Typically, the surviving spouse is given the rings. If they have not been removed before going to the funeral home, the funeral home will hand you your spouse’s ring (s). If you both die, then the rings are handled as part of the estate process.

What finger does a widow wear her wedding ring on?

Wherever she wants to! By tradition in the U.S. and U.K. the wedding band is usually on the left hand and signifies marriage. Technically, the marriage legally ends when a partner dies. The widowed community believes in letting people make their own choices about wearing their wedding ring after their spouse dies.

Some widows and widowers move the rings to the right hand. As previously noted, others may interpret this as married status in other countries, so be aware of this if you are traveling internationally.

How long can I wear my rings?

As long as you like. Period.

If I decide to remove my ring (s), how will I know it is the right time for me?

Focus on what time feels right for you, but recognize that this is not a clean or easy process. Our rings connect us to our partner, our lives and our past love and memories with them. Wearing or removing your ring is the most public announcement of your change in widowhood status to the people you encounter. There is NEVER going to be a time where removing your rings feels 100% clean, 100% right, or 100% easy to take it off. The good news is that it is NOT a permanent decision.

When you decide what is right for you, consider:

· How does it feel when you remove it? Are you filled with anxiety and need to put it on right away?

· Are you worried about what other people think?

· Are you keeping it on because other people think it’s “too soon” to take it off?

· Are you taking it off because other people think “it’s time?”

· Are people asking you why you are “still” wearing it?

The bottom line is this: your grief, your timeline, your decisions. Anyone who has not been widowed cannot possibly understand the depth and complexity of your grief. But they need to respect your right to grieve how you need to-and that includes wearing your rings. The right people in your life will support your decisions, whether they agree with them or not.

Should I bury my spouse’s rings with my husband or wife? What about theirs?

It is common to bury sentimental or special items with your spouse. However, this is a decision you cannot reverse. Because they may have great sentimental value, I suggest you consider this decision very carefully. First, you may feel differently about passing them on as an heirloom to children in the coming days and months. Second, though I hate to mention this, there are some funeral homes that do not adhere to the highest ethical standards, and your jewelry may be stolen and not buried, so consider how comfortable you are with the funeral home you choose before you make that decision.

Is there a “best option” for how I handle my wedding ring?

The best option is what is right for YOU. Some possibilities include:

· Wearing your ring on your left hand while you feel you need to.

· Switching your ring to your right hand.

· Wearing it around your neck on a chain.

· Incorporating it into the burial process.

· Gifting it as a family heirloom.

· Donating or selling it.

· Displaying it as artwork.

The “best” option is personal and whatever is right for you. You, and only you, know what your spouse wanted and what you shared.

What do I do if I’m not ready to take off my wedding ring after my partner died?

Again, whatever you choose is the RIGHT answer. You move forward (not on) when you are ready and your preferences on your ring will follow suit, naturally. Consider where you are in your grief and life rebuilding process and if moving your ring, taking it off or doing something different will help you with that.

Can a widow or widower continue to wear rings after the death of a partner?

Yes. How long and where you wear (or don’t wear) the rings is your choice and your choice alone. No one gets to set your grieving timeline but you. Others outside the widow community may call these “widow” rings instead of “wedding rings.” Inside the community, they are “wedding rings” and will stay that way.

How do I respond to someone who tells me I need to take my ring off, saying something like, “He’s gone. Why Haven’t You Taken Your Ring Off?”

This is a common question from friends and family who have a set “timeline,” for grief in their heads and think you should share it. The key here is to set a boundary gently and firmly. “Thank you for your concern. I’m grieving on my timeline and I am right on track. It is common and expected within the widowed community that we decide if, when, and how to remove our rings. There is no set timeline for this, regardless of what myths may be out there. However, I can use your help with….”

How do I respond to someone who asks me why I took my ring off “already” when they say something like “Why did you take your ring off so soon?”

This is a common question from friends and family who have a set “timeline” for grief in their heads and think you should share it. Sometimes the tone is questioning, sometimes it is accusatory. If the person has a relationship with your partner, they may struggle with their own grief and projecting it on you. There may be a cultural expectation that you are “forever widowed.” The truth is, all of this has exactly NOTHING to do with you. Their expectations are their expectations.

Again, it is best that you take control of the situation, gently but firmly. You might say something like, “Thank you for your concern. I’m grieving on my own timeline and I am right on track. Am doing exactly what my spouse/partner wanted. It is common and expected within the widowed community that we decide if, when, and how to remove our rings. There is no set timeline for this, regardless of what myths may be out there.

· If the person is not related to your spouse, you can ask them for help or redirect the conversation with a change of topic:..” However, I can use your help with….”
· If the person is related to your spouse or has an emotional connection (close friend or sibling), you can reaffirm the relationship and reiterate your boundary. “I realize this is difficult for you to understand because your are not widowed. It changes exactly nothing about how much I loved your brother/sister/friend/son/daughter/cousin-I will grieve him/her for the rest of my life and love them until the day I die. My only choice in this world is to move forward, not on, and build a new life that has both the foundation of our love and the ability to love some more. The way we explain it is that when you have a second child, you don’t stop loving the first. Your heart just makes room for more.”

Do widows and widowers wear their wedding rings while dating again?

Yes! It is up to you and your partner to decide what works. Often, especially when widows and widowers date each other, there is an understanding and acceptance of the prior love and commitment. There is no sense of a threat to the new relationship. We simply accept that our hearts are expanding to incorporate the new love without surrendering the old. Our heart simply make room.

Nothing is going to erase my 17 year marriage to my husband. My new partners understand that everything they love about me, he helped to shape. At the same time, in re-partnering, your new partner needs a place in your heart as well, actually and, at times, symbolically. Between the two of you, decide what works for you as a couple.

Is it tacky to keep my wedding ring from my deceased husband when I am getting remarried?

No. Widows and widowers re-partner in many forms. No matter what you do with your ring, your love with your first partner remains. Widows and widowers know that death forever changes us. Being widowed is as consequential as getting married or having a baby. That is a one-way door: you emerge a different person from the experience and that opens up new possibilities for love in your heart.

Widows and widowers keep rings for many reasons: often it is to gift to children for their marriage or to re-imagine as a new piece of jewelry.

Do my former in-laws or family have a right to ask for the ring back after I’ve been widowed?

Absolutely not. Those rings are yours to keep and do with as you choose.

Are you still a “Mrs.” after your husband dies?

There’s the legal and the actual at play here. Legally, the marriage ended with your spouse and you are no longer in a marriage contract. Technically, you’re “widowed” or “single” (though the widowed community uses “widowed” is the term used most often). In our hearts, we often still feel married to our spouses. Etiquette aside, you can choose to refer to yourself as “Mrs.” or adopt the “Ms.” if you don’t want to disclose marital status, just as men use “Mr.” whether married, widowed, or single.

Love Lives Forever

Navigating all of this can be very difficult for those of us dealing with the loss of a spouse or partner. The truth is that love continues to live in our hearts after widowhood. We move forward, not on, as we navigate this new world into which

we’ve been thrust.

Do you have an experience with remaking your rings? Taking them off? Passing them along to a family member? Comment below.