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Woman Forced To Awkwardly Explain She’s Not A Wife After Strangers Congratulate Her “Married” Boyfriend
Widower boyfriend wearing a wedding ring looking upset as woman in yellow sweater angrily talks in a living room.

Woman Forced To Awkwardly Explain She’s Not A Wife After Strangers Congratulate Her “Married” Boyfriend

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Losing the person you’d planned to spend the rest of your life with can be devastating. Many people will try to find ways to stay connected to their spouse after they pass away. Some do this by continuing to wear their wedding ring. But what happens when you get into a new relationship and it starts to get serious?

That’s the dilemma one couple is now grappling with… The man’s wife passed away from cancer four years ago and he’s still not quite over the loss. While his current girlfriend has been supportive, she wants him to take his wedding ring off – or at least wear it on the other hand. She says arguments have ensued over the ring, and her boyfriend is accusing her of being jealous of someone who isn’t even alive. Is she asking for too much?

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    His wife passed away 4 years ago and he’s chosen to keep wearing his wedding ring

    Man wearing a wedding ring on his left hand while putting on a black glove, symbolizing a widower boyfriend scenario.

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    His current GF feels it’s inappropriate but he says it’s part of who he is and she needs to just accept it

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    Woman gets a brutal reality check after asking widower boyfriend to take off his wedding ring showing her frustration.

    Text saying Mark still wears his wedding ring on his left ring finger while dating, reflecting widower boyfriend ring reality.

    Woman gets a reality check after asking widower boyfriend to remove his wedding ring while dating seriously.

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    Text about woman getting a brutal reality check after asking widower boyfriend to remove his wedding ring from their relationship.

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    Text excerpt about a woman confronting her widower boyfriend about his wedding ring leading to a harsh reality check.

    Woman confronts widower boyfriend about his wedding ring, leading to a tense and emotional reality check in a living room.

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    Text excerpt showing a woman discussing asking her widower boyfriend to remove his wedding ring but he refuses to move it.

    Woman gets a brutal reality check after asking widower boyfriend to take off his wedding ring.

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    Text on a white background reads a woman questioning if asking her widower boyfriend to remove his wedding ring is too much in their relationship.

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    Don’t want to wear your wedding ring after your spouse passes? Here are some other options…

    What you choose to do with your wedding ring if or when your spouse passes away is completely up to you. Some people wear it for the rest of their lives while others take it off immediately. At the end of the day, it’s not a decision that should be rushed…

    If for some reason you don’t want to continue wearing your wedding ring on your ring finger, but aren’t ready to let it go or sell it, there are many other options.

    For example, you could simply move it to the other hand. This is a small step towards letting go while still allowing you to feel connected to your spouse who is no longer around. It’s also a way to let others know that your circumstances or relationship status have changed, without you having to say a word.

    You could have it redesigned and made into a different piece of jewelry, or you could add a memorial diamond, which is made from your spouse’s ashes.

    Another idea is to put it on a chain and wear it around your neck. “This is common practice with widows, more so than with widowers,” reveals estate planning experts AED Attorneys. “It is a good remembrance option since you can keep the ring close to your heart while indicating your marital status.”

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    If you have children, you could keep the ring as an heirloom to pass onto them after your own passing. However, AED’s team cautions that you’ll need to specify this in your Will to ensure that it goes to the correct person when your estate is wound up. Of course, you could give the ring to one of your children while you are alive, either for when they marry, or for another occasion.

    “If you do not feel comfortable wearing your ring anymore and have no idea what to do with it, put it in a safe until you settle the matter in your mind,” advises the site.

    Those who feel they are ready to part with their wedding ring could consider selling or donating it. “Many non-profit organisations accept and resell jewellery to fund their operations. If you are open to a good cause, then this may be an option,” the estate planners say. “However, you would need to be comfortable with not knowing where the ring ends up. This may be very difficult for some people.”

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    Another option is to use your ring as final closure when you’re ready. “Send it off ceremoniously,” suggests the AED Attorneys team. “You may like to use your ring in a ceremonial farewell where you cast it into the ocean or bury it in a particular place as a final farewell. Include close friends or family to make this a special occasion.”

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    Whether or not to keep wearing your wedding ring after your spouse passes away is a deeply personal decision. But according to AED Attorneys, there are a few cases in which you should stop wearing your ring.

    “The first is if your wedding ring causes you intense emotional pain, then it would probably be better to remove it and store it somewhere safe until you feel able to face it again,” elaborates the site. “The second is in the event of remarriage at a later stage. Continuing to wear the ring may cause your second spouse some unnecessary discomfort, even if they don’t say it, in which case it would be better not to wear it at all.”

    Widower boyfriend taking off wedding ring while woman holds his hand during emotional moment at home.

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    Many felt the BF wasn’t ready to move on and some advised the woman to leave

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    Screenshot of a social media comment stating He is not ready in response to a widower boyfriend topic.

    Woman reacts with surprise and frustration after asking widower boyfriend to remove his wedding ring.

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    Comment discussing grief counseling and emotional readiness in a relationship with a widower boyfriend still wearing a wedding ring.

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    Comment from widow explaining her widower boyfriend is not ready to move on despite wearing a wedding ring.

    Comment about woman getting a brutal reality check after asking widower boyfriend to remove his wedding ring.

    Comment saying he isn’t emotionally ready for a relationship, emphasizing need for therapy after widower boyfriend ring request.

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    Woman gets a brutal reality check after asking widower boyfriend to remove his wedding ring during conversation.

    Screenshot of an online comment advising a woman about her widower boyfriend and relationship reality check.

    Comment text saying a widower boyfriend considers his wedding ring part of who he is and acceptance is required.

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    Widower boyfriend's wedding ring sparks a brutal reality check for woman questioning his readiness to date.

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    Widower boyfriend wears wedding ring as woman struggles with reality check after asking him to remove it.

    Comment discussing a widower boyfriend keeping his wedding ring as a symbol of respect and past marriage.

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    Woman learns brutal reality after asking widower boyfriend to remove his wedding ring, navigating grief and love boundaries.

    Comment from user Ancient-Jellyfish351 advising not to move in with widower boyfriend who isn’t ready after being asked to remove wedding ring.

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    Widower boyfriend explains wearing wedding ring after loss and challenges faced in dating and moving on.

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    Comment on a forum post about a woman confronting her widower boyfriend to remove his wedding ring, receiving a harsh reality check.

    Screenshot of a forum comment discussing a widower boyfriend not ready to remove his wedding ring yet.

    Comment by user This_Cauliflower1986 discussing a widower boyfriend's wedding ring and relationship commitment.

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    Comment discussing a widower boyfriend's choice to keep his wedding ring and the challenge it presents in their relationship.

    Text comment on a screen discussing accepting a widower boyfriend still wearing his wedding ring in a challenging relationship situation.

    Comment on a forum discussing a woman’s brutal reality check after asking her widower boyfriend to remove his wedding ring.

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    Comment discussing a woman facing a brutal reality check after asking her widower boyfriend to remove his wedding ring.

    Comment from a widower explaining wearing her late husband's ring and moving it if dating again after losing him.

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    Comment discussing a widower boyfriend's unreadiness for a relationship after being asked to take off his wedding ring.

    Widower boyfriend refuses to remove wedding ring, causing emotional conflict and challenging their relationship's future.

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    Comment on a forum post about a woman getting a brutal reality check from her widower boyfriend after asking him to remove his wedding ring.

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    Commenter offers relationship advice on woman confronting widower boyfriend about his wedding ring and compatibility concerns.

    Comment discussing a widower boyfriend’s emotional readiness and grieving process after being asked to remove wedding ring.

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    Robyn Smith

    Robyn Smith

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."

    Read less »
    Robyn Smith

    Robyn Smith

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."

    Justinas Keturka

    Justinas Keturka

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    I'm the Visual Editor at Bored Panda, responsible for ensuring that everything our audience sees is top-notch and well-researched. What I love most about my job? Discovering new things about the world and immersing myself in exceptional photography and art.

    Read less »

    Justinas Keturka

    Justinas Keturka

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I'm the Visual Editor at Bored Panda, responsible for ensuring that everything our audience sees is top-notch and well-researched. What I love most about my job? Discovering new things about the world and immersing myself in exceptional photography and art.

    What do you think ?
    Sam O'Brien
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the actual f&$k is with this BS clickbait headline? Nothing “brutal” about the responses to the OP.

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He's obviously not ready to move on, so she should. She shouldn't waste any more time dating someone who clearly can't give her want she wants. He's just using her to pass the time and is obviously not at all serious or invested in the relationship.

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not about "moving on". I'm still wearing my wedding ring (and some of her favourite jewellery) just over a year after my wife dîed, and have not even thought about taking it off, why would I? And what the fûck gives you the right to suggest that he should not be dating just because he still loves his late wife. Your comments are deeply hurtful to me.

    Load More Replies...
    Lisbeth Guz
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The responses weren't brutal but honest. Lots of empathy and no blame. I hope they both move on, clearly not together.

    Emilu
    Community Member
    Premium
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can't really speak to if he's ready or not (obviously) but wearing his wedding ring doesn't *necessarily* mean that he isn't. I mean, whether he keeps the ring on or not, obviously his wife is going to remain a huge part of his 'story' and OP will need to be willing to accept that if she wants to date him. I agree with the Redditor that says that they need to have a deeper discussion about whether he is truly ready for a relationship, and what both parties want out of it (eg: if she wants marriage and he wants a long-term GF, things may not work out, but better to find out sooner than later).

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She should just tap out and move on to someone who is actually available without so much baggage. Sounds like not enough juice in that squeeze.

    Load More Replies...
    Pferdchen
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Oh, we're not married. I'm his mistress." Keep saying that and the correct resolution will be attained, whatever it may be.

    ThisIsMe
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband died in April. While he was in the hospital he couldn't wear his ring, so I started wearing it on middle finger, left hand, next to the beautiful ring he got me for our wedding. And there they stay. Period. I'm not interested in getting married again (I'm 61) but someday there may be a relationship with the right man who will respect that and be okay with my rings. I don't know if I'll consider moving to the other hand or not one day bottomline is that it will always be my decision. And who knows - maybe that man will be widowed and want to wear his ring :-)

    Robyn Hill
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP needs to grow up. She doesn’t get to dictate when he’s ready to take off the ring. He does. She knew what she was signing up for. She signed up for it anyway.

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're so attached to your dead wife you're still wearing your ring, you're not ready to date anyone.

    Load More Replies...
    Sam O'Brien
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the actual f&$k is with this BS clickbait headline? Nothing “brutal” about the responses to the OP.

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He's obviously not ready to move on, so she should. She shouldn't waste any more time dating someone who clearly can't give her want she wants. He's just using her to pass the time and is obviously not at all serious or invested in the relationship.

    Ace
    Community Member
    Premium
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not about "moving on". I'm still wearing my wedding ring (and some of her favourite jewellery) just over a year after my wife dîed, and have not even thought about taking it off, why would I? And what the fûck gives you the right to suggest that he should not be dating just because he still loves his late wife. Your comments are deeply hurtful to me.

    Load More Replies...
    Lisbeth Guz
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The responses weren't brutal but honest. Lots of empathy and no blame. I hope they both move on, clearly not together.

    Emilu
    Community Member
    Premium
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can't really speak to if he's ready or not (obviously) but wearing his wedding ring doesn't *necessarily* mean that he isn't. I mean, whether he keeps the ring on or not, obviously his wife is going to remain a huge part of his 'story' and OP will need to be willing to accept that if she wants to date him. I agree with the Redditor that says that they need to have a deeper discussion about whether he is truly ready for a relationship, and what both parties want out of it (eg: if she wants marriage and he wants a long-term GF, things may not work out, but better to find out sooner than later).

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She should just tap out and move on to someone who is actually available without so much baggage. Sounds like not enough juice in that squeeze.

    Load More Replies...
    Pferdchen
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Oh, we're not married. I'm his mistress." Keep saying that and the correct resolution will be attained, whatever it may be.

    ThisIsMe
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband died in April. While he was in the hospital he couldn't wear his ring, so I started wearing it on middle finger, left hand, next to the beautiful ring he got me for our wedding. And there they stay. Period. I'm not interested in getting married again (I'm 61) but someday there may be a relationship with the right man who will respect that and be okay with my rings. I don't know if I'll consider moving to the other hand or not one day bottomline is that it will always be my decision. And who knows - maybe that man will be widowed and want to wear his ring :-)

    Robyn Hill
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP needs to grow up. She doesn’t get to dictate when he’s ready to take off the ring. He does. She knew what she was signing up for. She signed up for it anyway.

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're so attached to your dead wife you're still wearing your ring, you're not ready to date anyone.

    Load More Replies...
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