Online dating is not difficult

Q: I was married to my wife for 34 years and raised two daughters, now married with kids. My wife and I ran a business together, and travelled whenever possible. We were still devoted to each other when she suddenly got sick and died within weeks of diagnosis.

It’s three years later, and I’m still sometimes immobilized by the loss. But I want to move forward in life; I know she’d want me to be happy, and not hiding in the house still grieving.

Everyone says I should try online dating. What do you suggest?

Starting Over at 58

A: If what you want is to meet new people, have company to go out for dinner or entertainment events, then online dating isn’t such a difficult “market” to shop.

Be honest in your profile that you’re a widower and for how long. The areas in which to be wary online are: 1) giving too much personal detail that would attract so-called gold-diggers; 2) women “overseas” and others who need financial help coming to meet you, or because of an ill parent/child, etc.; 3) anything that feels at all dodgy, such as someone declaring “love” for you before, or at, first meeting.