Alright, ladies, let’s talk about love, the real, sweep-you-off-your-feet, makes-you-glow kind of love. As a widow, you’ve been through the wringer, and now you’re ready to embrace romance again. But let’s be honest, dating can feel like stepping into a minefield… of bad pickup lines, awkward dinners, and unsolicited photos (we won’t go there).
So how do you know when it’s real love? The kind worth shaving your legs for? Let’s break it down with six foolproof signs that this one might just be the one.
1. He Actually Listens (And Remembers)
Ladies, we all know the type: the guy who nods enthusiastically while you talk, only to ask you the same question an hour later. If your new beau not only listens but actually remembers the little things, your favorite book, how you take your coffee, or that you’re allergic to shellfish, you might have struck gold. Real love is when he cares enough to pay attention and doesn’t just nod along waiting for his turn to talk about himself.
Pro tip: If he surprises you with your favorite chocolate just because you casually mentioned it weeks ago, keep him.
2. Your Weirdness Matches His
True love means you can be your full, unfiltered self, quirks and all. Does he laugh when you talk to your houseplants? Does he also secretly love binge-watching crime shows while eating ice cream straight from the tub? When your weird matches his weird, you’ve found something special.
Red flag alert: If he raises an eyebrow at your need to color-code your sock drawer or thinks your love of cheesy 80s ballads is “too much,” it might not be meant to be.
3. He Respects Your Past But Supports Your Future
Love isn’t about replacing what you had; it’s about building something new while respecting where you’ve been. A real keeper won’t get weird when you talk about your late spouse. Instead, he’ll listen, honor your experiences, and still be excited to create new memories with you.
Test it out: Mention a fond memory from the past and see how he reacts. If he listens with empathy instead of jealousy, you might be onto something great.
4. He’s Your Biggest Cheerleader (Without the Pom-Poms)
Real love means having a personal hype squad, someone who believes in you even when you doubt yourself. Whether you’re considering going back to school, starting a new hobby, or just trying out that new bold lipstick, he’s all in and cheering you on.
Warning sign: If he rolls his eyes when you share your dreams, girl, it’s time to roll out.
5. He Makes You Laugh Until You Snort
Life is short, and if he can make you laugh until you snort (or even better, cry-laugh), he’s a keeper. Love should be fun, and having someone who can lighten the mood, poke fun at themselves, and make even the most mundane errands enjoyable is a huge green flag.
Fun fact: If he does ridiculous dance moves in the kitchen while making pancakes, marry him immediately.
6. You Feel Safe, Not Just Physically, But Emotionally
In real love, you should feel safe to share your thoughts, dreams, and even your Netflix password without fear. He creates an environment where you feel secure, respected, and valued. If you can ugly cry in front of him without feeling self-conscious, that’s a good sign.
Heads up: If you constantly feel like you have to walk on eggshells or “impress” him, that’s not it, sister.
Final Thoughts
Navigating love after loss isn’t easy, but you deserve a romance that makes your heart do the cha-cha. Remember, real love isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about the little things that show he truly gets you.
So go forth, have fun, and don’t settle for anything less than butterflies and belly laughs.
And hey, if nothing else, at least the dating stories will make for excellent brunch conversation!