DEAR ABBY: I am 70-plus and have just lost my wife. We had a very good marriage. I want to continue living an active life and begin dating when it is appropriate. How long should one wait to start dating, and how long should one wait to marry again? -- WIDOWER IN FLORIDA
DEAR WIDOWER: Grief is such a personal emotion that no one can presume to make rules that will apply to everyone.
A widow or widower may begin dating whenever he or she feels like it; the decision is yours. When you tie the knot again is up to you -- and the lucky lady who will accompany you down the aisle.