DEAR ABBY: My wife of 55 years passed away five months ago and I am lonely. How long should I wait before establishing a relationship with another woman?
A certain lady and I go to church together, so we are well acquainted. I never thought about being with her until my wife died. She and my wife were friendly acquaintances.
What is the right time to wait? Six months? A year? I never thought I could be lonely. Well, think again! -- READY FOR THE FUTURE
DEAR READY: There's no timetable for grieving. If you feel you are ready for companionship, all you need to do is pick up the phone and call the lady you have in mind. To do that is not disrespectful to your late wife. It's a tribute to the happiness you experienced being part of a couple.