Here’s another installment of the GAS - We spread Great American stories, insights, and news like butter on toast – smooth, even, and covering every corner.

Here’s what we have for you today:

• Dating tips to help you or someone you know, find new love

• Zach Bryan honors fallen NYPD officer Jonathan Diller

• Allen West: You’re not a victim

Dating After Loss - Share With Someone You Know

I fell into a relationship way too soon after my husband's death. It had ups and downs and eventually ended. I felt like an idiot. Like a traitor. Like I was destined to be alone. But I was 36 and still stubbornly refused to give up. I burned phone lines and cramped my hands messaging my widow friends, sharing stories of our forays back into this world.

I got into another relationship- this one way worse than the first. He scorched the earth with me and my kids before I finally got him out.

I'd have to be the biggest fool to try again- right?

Well call me a fool, then- but make sure you call me a Happy Fool, because I found the most amazing man I love deeply, and now I'm his wife.

I'm not glad I went through the trauma the wrong relationships brought with them, but I am glad I didn't give up.

Below are some of the best nuggets of wisdom I pulled from my own life and fellow widows getting back into the dating world.

Maybe they'll help you or someone you know, find new love.                      

Choosing to get back into the dating world is no small task. If you have managed to win the battle with any guilt issues you may be grappling with, you have already taken one of the most difficult steps. Here are some thoughts on how others before you have managed to navigate the world you are now venturing into:

• There is a certain liberation about knowing you have already survived the unsurvivable. In an existence where silver linings can be tough to find, grab this one. Use the knowledge that you are still upright, breathing, and aware of the fact that life still holds joy despite your loss. Enter this new arena with confidence.

• Online sites can be fun. Be advised, however, that a “widow” status does not deter potential suitors. I mistakenly thought the combination of that word with my less-than-warm self-description would buy me time to ease into the experience, and I could not have been more wrong.

• Hold tight to your sense of humor.

• Forgive yourself for any mistakes you make.

• Be candid about your feelings, but avoid the temptation to use your date as a grief counselor.

• Be honest with your children; how they adjust to you dating again will largely be based on your lead.

• Have fun. Breathe. Take it slowly.

• Any feelings of panic or new guilt, confusion, or anger are not unusual – especially if you find yourself developing feelings for someone.

• You may be judged or receive unsolicited advice. Rise above it.

• Have fun. Go for it.

You deserve it

- Barb

Was it as good for you as it was for us? Make sure you tell all your friends so they don’t miss out next week! 🇺🇸

Barb Allen & Dave Brown
www.greatamericansyndicate.com