I have been a widow for 7 years, so I have had a lot of time to observe the dynamics of widows and widowers.

First, let me say that I HATE being a widow. My husband and I were in love from the day we first laid eyes on each other to his last breath. I miss him more than anything I write can adequately express.

However, I am NOT interested in finding a new love (You can check out my Story Table of Contents on my profile page for my Dating and Love stories) or to remarry. I found a conversation partner I enjoy spending time with. That's enough for me.

However, what I have noticed in my 7 years of widowhood is that MEN CANNOT BE ALONE. No matter how much in love they profess to have been with their wives, every one of them that I have known is in another long-term relationship within 6 months of their wives' death. Sometimes sooner.

It's not that they can't cook or clean up after themselves. Some can cook, and if they can't, there's always restaurants, meal delivery, and a host of other options. If they can't or don't want to clean, they hire someone to do it. The issue seems to be emotional support. They just can't handle being alone.

Men don't rely on male friends for emotional support, so they need a woman in their lives to provide it.