Season 3, Ep4: How to Bring up Your Late Partner on a Date & Should we talk to Children about Dating?

In this conversation, Dr. Monika Wieliczko discusses the complexities of dating after loss, focusing on how to navigate conversations about a deceased partner and the challenges faced by parents dating again. She emphasises the importance of transparency, emotional readiness, and the need to communicate effectively with both new partners and children. The discussion highlights the delicate balance between honouring past relationships and embracing new opportunities for love and connection.  

if you haven’t already, take a moment to complete the “Are You Ready for a Relationship After Loss?” quiz at guidetoafterlife.com/dating. to receive personalized insights into your readiness for a new relationship as well as access to the grief-friendly dating guide that we’ll be using throughout this series.

• It's important to find the right moment to discuss your late partner.
• Transparency with potential partners can deepen connections.
• Communicate your emotional state clearly to your new partner.
• Children's reactions to dating can vary; be prepared for mixed emotions.
• Introduce the idea of dating to children at an appropriate level.
• Keep conversations about dating open and age-appropriate for children.
• Avoid introducing casual dates to children to prevent confusion.
• Validate children's feelings about new relationships.
• Carve out dedicated time for children to feel secure.
• Moving forward in dating does not mean forgetting the past.