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What Is The Etiquette For A Widow In Such Things As Continuing To Wear Your Wedding Rings?

Written by Admin on December 11, 2010

14 Comments to “What Is The Etiquette For A Widow In Such Things As Continuing To Wear Your Wedding Rings?”

1. Athena
   10:50 pm on September 6th, 2009

   This has to be your decision, there are no rules regarding this. Each person is different regarding loss, like the wearing of black clothes, some wear it for few weeks, others for months. I am so sorry about your loss.

2. gimpybak
   1:30 am on September 7th, 2009

   First let me say that I am so very sorry you lost your husband. There is no right or wrong answer, only what feels right to you. I couldn’t wear my wedding rings for 7 months after my husband was killed in an accident due to my injuries sustained in the same accident. Then I wore them for a short time, and when it didn’t feel ‘right’ anymore, I put them away. A year or so later I had better defined myself, yes I was a widow, yet I was also a young woman. I didn’t EXACTLY feel single … as if I were never married or he never existed. So I decided why can’t I be single and a widow?!? So I took my wedding rings into the jeweler and had them sized up a bit to wear them on my right (hand) ring finger. I also had his wedding band sized down to wear on my right (hand) thumb. I knew a woman that took the diamond and gold from her wedding set (widowed after 25 yrs of marriage) and had it turned into a beautiful necklace. There is no wrong answer as long as it is YOUR answer. No one can tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. A decision about your wedding rings is part of the grief process and well as part of the healing process. Best wishes and God Bless.

3. sophieb
   7:58 am on September 7th, 2009

   If you never plan to remarry then it’s fine, and it’s fine for the one year of remembrance after someone passes, after that people consider it that it’s just your choice or you feel bare without it. Some women still go on as though they were still married, using the word “we” a lot, etc. Some women like the idea of continuing to be thought of as being married as it does come with it certain and special benefits when out in public. Wearing a ring also keeps you safe from flirting men if you also stand behind it with words like “not interested”. When the man passes it’s proper to eliminate his first name from your name, i.e. your name is no longer Mrs. John Smith, it’s more like Ellen Smith.

4. ZzozZ Zombie Reincarnated!!
   10:36 am on September 7th, 2009

   I’m sorry to hear that.
   wether or not you wear your ring you will be constantly reminded that he is no longer here. seing your finger without the ring may have more of a negative effect on you.
   there are no rules.

5. Classy Granny
   2:06 pm on September 7th, 2009

   My father’s wife is still wearing her wedding ring 14 years after my father’s passing. She has reached an age where she is not looking for her next husband. If your ready to put yourself back in circulation it make be time to retire your wedding band to your jewerly box. If you aren’t continue to wear it. You don’t need the ring as a reminder that he is no longer with you.

6. duffie_1
   7:01 pm on September 7th, 2009

   They are your rings and your loss of a loved one. You do whatever feels right to you and I am so sorry you lost your husband. I don’t think you will not think of him as often if you don’t wear the rings.

7. dude
   10:07 pm on September 7th, 2009

   i have never been married, but you do what you want to do…! if its a good reminder then keep it on, he would want you to do what made you feel most comfortable.

8. berry
   4:29 am on September 8th, 2009

   If you want to meet someone new, don’t wear the rings. If you do not wish to remarry or get attached, you are free to wear them for as long as you wish.

9. old lady
   11:06 am on September 8th, 2009

   This is a personal decision for each woman in that situation. Some, such as yourself, find it a constant reminder of a sad event. Others find it a comforting reminder of the good times. Whatever feels most comfortable for you is what you should do, and my condolences on your loss.
   PS: It used to be a custom for a widow to place her wedding ring in the coffin with her husband, but that is no longer generally done.

10. tash
    1:46 pm on September 8th, 2009

    i think u should take all the things of his that mean something to u and put them all in a room or a place where u can go to sit and b close to him but at the same time u can leave whenever u want and try 2 get on with life without having that constant reminder, u can always go back to that place for the memories. my nan has been a widow for the last 40 years but still she wears her wedding ring but only when we have a family event or party

11. Hillary B
    2:27 pm on September 8th, 2009

    Im so sorry for your loss. If you feel that taking it off will help you than you should follow your heart. You completed a marriage and if you would still like to wear it do. Only you will know what is right. Good luck

12. Sharon M
    3:24 pm on September 8th, 2009

    I believe it is up to the indiviual, he will always be your husband,no matter what!

13. Ann
    4:21 pm on September 8th, 2009

    I believe that it is proper etiquette either way you choose. I knew a very high up executive at my company who was a widow she would wear her wedding ring. The only draw back is that some people may ask about your husband just in passing like what does your husband do for a living etc…. so it could be sad to explain and awkward for the other person.

14. Time to buy
    5:27 pm on September 8th, 2009

    It helps to keep the undesirable male element away until you think you have found a good prospect. Then on an individual basis you can let them know you are widowed or available.
    I think your memories will only get sweeter so don’t remove your ring for “that” reason.

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