[Sophia M.]

Front Porch Forum: "Is it too soon to take off my wedding ring if I’m ready to open my heart again?" (09/30/2025)​

The path ahead feels tender, but I want to try. Image source: Pexels

Pull up a seat, GrayViners. “A Widow Seeking Joy” has carried love and loss for three years—and is now wondering if she’s ready to open her heart again. But does taking off her wedding ring mean moving forward… or letting go too soon?

Hi all,

My husband passed away three years ago. We were married for 47 years, and his absence still echoes in the quiet parts of my day. For the longest time, I couldn’t imagine even considering the idea of someone else. But now, something is shifting. I’ve met someone. It’s still very new, very gentle. But it’s enough to make me feel things I haven’t felt in years—hope, laughter, even a touch of excitement.

I still wear my wedding ring. I glance at it often, almost like I’m checking for permission. But the truth is, I want to take it off. Not to erase the past, but to make space for something new. When I told a friend, she looked horrified and said, “Already?” That one word has haunted me.

Is there a right time to move forward? Does taking off a ring mean I’m betraying him? Or could it mean that I’ve loved deeply, and I’m finally ready to let some light in again?

Still holding love in my heart,
A Widow Seeking Joy

What do you think, GrayViners? Is there ever a “right time” to take off a wedding ring, or does it come down to following your own heart? Share your stories, wisdom, and encouragement below. And if you’ve got a tender dilemma of your own, start a conversation here.

 

[angib55]

My dad was killed at 46 so my mom was widowed when she was 43. They were married 19 yrs. She started wearing hers on her right hand. l asked her about it and it was an old wives tale that you were still married in their hearts but not in life. l don't really know the full story but this was back in the 60's. l was only 12 when l was told. Not sure if it is actually true either. l'm not sure if there is a protocol for this but maybe switch it