Writing a dating profile after losing your husband or partner can feel impossible. How do you describe yourself as a single woman after decades as half of a couple? Should you mention that you’re widowed? How much should you say about him? Which photos can you use, when so many of your favourites have him in them? And how do you sound warm and hopeful without seeming to have “moved on” too quickly, or being weighed down by grief?
This guide gives example dating profiles for widows, written for different ages, situations and kinds of relationship, with notes on why each works. It also covers how to mention being widowed, choosing photos, headline and prompt ideas, before-and-after rewrites, and what to avoid. All of the examples are written by us to show different approaches. They aren’t real people’s profiles, and they’re meant to be adapted, not copied word for word.
The short answer
- There's no single right way to mention being widowed. Many women find a brief, warm mention works best.
- Your profile is about you now: your interests, your personality and what you're looking for, not your loss.
- A short, positive mention of your late husband is fine. Long tributes are usually better saved for when you know someone.
- Use recent photos of you on your own. Cropping him out of a photo can feel painful, and is often obvious, so new photos usually work better.
- Be clear about what you want, whether that's companionship, a relationship or simply someone to share outings with.
- If writing your profile brings up strong feelings, that's normal. It may be a sign to go gently, or to wait a little longer.
Before you start
Writing about yourself as a single person can be emotional, especially the first time. It may help to:
- Write a rough draft first, without worrying about getting it right
- Ask a friend or family member you trust to read it
- Take breaks if it brings up grief
- Remember you can change it at any time
If you’re not sure whether you’re ready to date, our guides to dating after bereavement and dating after losing a husband may help you think it through.
How to mention being widowed
You have several options:
| Approach | Example | Works well if |
|---|---|---|
| A brief, warm mention | “Widowed four years ago after a happy marriage, and ready for a new chapter.” | You want to be open from the start |
| Just your status | Select “widowed” in the app’s relationship status, without explaining | You’d rather explain in conversation |
| A gentle hint | “After a long and happy marriage, I’m learning to enjoy new adventures.” | You want to mention it without the word “widow” |
| Not mentioning it | Leave it out entirely, and explain when you chat | You prefer to share personal details in person |
Many women find that being open about it early helps filter out people who aren’t comfortable with it, and attracts people who understand. But there’s no rule. Our guide to what to say on your dating profile after divorce or bereavement explores this in more depth.
Choosing photos
- Use recent photos, ideally from the last year or two
- Include a clear, smiling photo of your face as the first one
- Show your interests: gardening, walking, travelling, with grandchildren (if you’re comfortable, and without showing their faces clearly)
- Avoid photos with your late husband, even cropped. Many people find these confusing, and it can be painful to see him cut out
- Ask a friend to take some new photos, which can be a nice step in itself
Our guide to dating profile photos after 50 has more on what works.
Example profiles for widows
1. Widowed in her fifties, ready for a relationship
“Widowed three years ago, after 28 happy years. I’ve spent the last few rediscovering what I enjoy: long walks with my spaniel, Saturday markets, and finally learning to cook properly. I’m a primary school teacher, so I’m good at patience and terrible at sitting still. I’d love to meet a kind, curious man who enjoys conversation, laughter and the odd adventure. Ideally someone who’d rather go for a walk and a pub lunch than sit in front of the telly all weekend.”
Why it works: It mentions being widowed briefly and warmly, then moves quickly to who she is now. The details are specific and give people plenty to message about.
2. Widowed in her sixties, looking for companionship
“I lost my husband two years ago and I’m ready to enjoy some company again. I love the theatre, crosswords, walking by the sea and visiting National Trust gardens. My grandchildren keep me busy, but I’d like someone to share outings, meals and a good natter with. I’m not looking to rush into anything. Friendship first, and we’ll see where it goes.”
Why it works: It’s honest about wanting companionship and taking things slowly, which helps attract people who want the same.
3. Widowed some years ago, confident and outgoing
“Widowed eight years ago and very much enjoying life. I’ve travelled solo to places I never thought I’d see, joined a choir and taken up wild swimming (yes, really, all year round). I’m warm, chatty and quite competitive at quizzes. Looking for a man with a sense of humour and a sense of adventure, who’d enjoy sharing some of this with me.”
Why it works: It shows she has a full, independent life, and that she’s looking for someone to add to it, not fill a gap.
4. Widowed in her seventies
“I’m 73, widowed, and still enjoy getting out and about. I volunteer at the local library, play bridge on Tuesdays and love a good detective novel. I have three children and five grandchildren who keep me on my toes. I’d love to meet a gentleman for conversation, outings and perhaps more in time. Honesty and kindness matter most to me.”
Why it works: It’s clear, warm and specific, and shows what she values. Our guide to dating at 70 and beyond has more ideas for this stage.
5. Widowed young, in her forties
“I was widowed in my early forties, and I’m now ready to open my heart again. I’m a mum of two teenagers, a nurse, and someone who laughs a lot, even at the bad times. I enjoy running (slowly), cooking for friends and planning trips I may never take. I’d like to meet someone emotionally mature, who’s kind to others and doesn’t mind a busy, noisy household.”
Why it works: It’s open about being a young widow and a parent, which helps attract people comfortable with both. Widowed and Young (WAY) is a charity for people widowed before their 51st birthday.
6. Faith is important
“Widowed four years ago. My faith has carried me through and remains central to my life. I’m involved in my church, love singing, baking and spending time with my family. I’d love to meet a kind Christian man who enjoys simple pleasures: a walk after Sunday lunch, a good conversation, a laugh. Looking for something meaningful.”
Why it works: It’s clear about her faith, which matters to her, without being preachy. Our guide to Christian dating after 50 has more.
7. After caring for her husband
“After several years caring for my husband through his illness, I lost him last year. I’m now slowly rediscovering myself, and the things I love: painting, walking the coastal path and long lunches with friends. I’m gentle, thoughtful and have a dry sense of humour. I’d love to meet someone kind and patient, to share some good times with. No rush.”
Why it works: It gently explains her situation, which may help a potential partner understand why she’s taking things slowly. Our guide to feeling guilty about dating after losing your partner may help if that’s a feeling you recognise.
8. Prefers to live apart
“Widowed, independent and very happy in my own home. I’d like to meet someone to share days out, holidays and dinners with, but I’m not looking to move in with anyone. I love the countryside, history, a good glass of red and sport on the radio. If you have your own life, and would like someone to share bits of it with, let’s chat.”
Why it works: It’s honest about wanting a relationship without living together. Our guide to living apart together after 50 explores this.
9. Shy or quietly spoken
“I’m not great at writing about myself, so I’ll keep it simple. I was widowed three years ago. I love reading, gardening and long country walks. Friends say I’m a good listener and a good cook. I’d like to meet someone gentle and kind for quiet days out and good conversation.”
Why it works: It’s short, honest and warm, which often appeals more than an overworked profile. Our guide to where introverts can meet someone may help too.
10. Humorous
“Widowed, 61, and finally allowed to choose the TV channel. I love walking, gardening and arguing with the radio. I make a mean shepherd’s pie and an even meaner cup of tea. Looking for a man who can make me laugh, and who doesn’t mind losing at Scrabble.”
Why it works: Gentle humour can show warmth and confidence. Our guide to short and funny profile examples has more.
11. Looking for a widower
“Widowed five years ago after a long, happy marriage. I’d love to meet someone who understands what it’s like to have loved and lost, and who’s ready for something new. I enjoy walking, cooking, theatre and time with my grandchildren. Kindness and a sense of humour matter most.”
Why it works: It’s honest about hoping to meet someone with a shared experience. Our guide to whether widows and widowers should date each other looks at this.
12. Returning to dating after a long gap
“I haven’t dated since the 1970s, so please be patient with me. Widowed for six years, I’ve built a lovely life with friends, family and my allotment. I’m ready to meet someone to share it with. I’m warm, practical and love a good laugh. Coffee first?”
Why it works: It’s honest about being new to dating, which can be endearing, and ends with an easy invitation.
Headline and opening-line ideas
If the app has a headline or first line, these can work:
- “Widowed, warm and ready for a new chapter”
- “Looking for kindness, laughter and good company”
- “Life has taught me what matters”
- “Ready to share walks, meals and conversation”
- “New to this, but open to something lovely”
- “Grateful for the past, hopeful for the future”
Example prompt answers
Many apps, such as Hinge, use prompts. Some ideas:
“A life goal of mine” “To walk the whole of the South West Coast Path. I’m about a third of the way there.”
“I’m looking for” “Someone kind, curious and up for a day out, who’s happy to take things at a gentle pace.”
“The way to win me over” “Make me laugh, and offer to carry the picnic basket.”
“Something you should know about me” “I’m widowed, and I’ll always love my late husband. That doesn’t mean I’m not ready for something new.”
“My simple pleasures” “Fresh bread, a sunny bench, a good book and a dog that isn’t mine.”
Before and after: rewriting a profile
Before: “I lost the love of my life three years ago and I don’t know if I’ll ever be happy again. My husband was the most wonderful man and I miss him every day. I’m not sure what I’m doing here.”
After: “Widowed three years ago after a happy marriage. I’m slowly rediscovering what I love: walking, gardening and time with friends. I’d like to meet a kind man for conversation and days out, and see where it leads.”
Why the rewrite works: The first version is heartfelt, but focuses on loss and uncertainty. The second still honours the marriage, but shows who she is now and what she’s looking for.
Before: “Looking for a man who is nothing like my late husband, because nobody could ever replace him.”
After: “I’m not looking to replace anyone. I’m looking for someone new to share new things with.”
Why the rewrite works: It’s more positive and makes room for someone new.
What to avoid
- Long tributes to your late husband. They’re understandable, but can make it hard for someone new to see a place for themselves. Our guide to talking about your late partner on early dates covers when and how much to share.
- Comparisons. “Must live up to my husband” sets a near-impossible bar.
- Lists of what you don’t want. Focus on what you do want.
- Too much personal detail, such as your full name, street or where your grandchildren go to school. Our guide to what never to put in a dating profile has more.
- Old photos, or photos with your late husband.
Updating your profile over time
Your first profile doesn’t have to be your last. Many women find that what they want to say changes as they get more comfortable with dating. It’s worth revisiting your profile every month or two:
- Refresh your photos as you take new ones, especially from activities you enjoy
- Update what you’re looking for if your feelings change, for example from companionship to something more
- Adjust how you mention being widowed. Some women start with a longer explanation, then find a single line is enough
- Add new interests, such as a class you’ve joined or a trip you’ve taken
Small updates also give people who’ve already seen your profile something new to notice.
Staying safe
Unfortunately, romance scammers sometimes target widowed people, using kindness and attention to build trust before asking for money. Warning signs include someone who’s very keen very quickly, won’t video call, claims to be working abroad, or asks for money or financial help. Our guides to dating app scams targeting over-50s and romance scam messages explain the patterns, and our Scam Red-Flag Checker can help if you’re unsure.
Writing your own
A simple formula many people find helpful:
- One line about your situation, if you want to mention it
- Two or three specific things you enjoy
- One or two things about your personality
- What you’re looking for
- An easy invitation, such as “Coffee?” or “Tell me about your favourite walk”
Our Profile Builder can help you put it together, and our guide to how to write a dating profile after 50 covers the basics.
Frequently asked questions
Should I say I’m widowed on my dating profile?
It’s your choice. Many women find a brief, warm mention helps, as it avoids surprises and attracts understanding people. Others prefer to explain in conversation.
How much should I say about my late husband?
A short mention is usually enough on a profile. You can share more as you get to know someone.
Can I use photos with my late husband in them?
It’s usually best not to, even cropped. Recent photos of you alone work better.
What if writing my profile makes me cry?
That’s very normal. Take breaks, ask a friend to help, and go at your own pace. It may be a sign to take things gently.
Should I look for a widower?
Some widows find it easier to date someone who understands loss. Others prefer not to limit themselves. Both are fine.
How do I say I want companionship rather than romance?
Say so clearly but warmly, for example: “Looking for a companion to share outings and conversation with.”
Related guides
- Dating profile examples for over-60s
- Dating profile examples for over-70s
- Dating after losing a husband: a guide for widows
- What to say on your dating profile after divorce or bereavement
- Dating profile examples for widowers
- Dating profile examples for women over 50
- Dating after bereavement: when is the right time?
- Talking about your late partner on early dates
Sources
- Hearts Again editorial guidance on dating profiles; all example profiles are written by Hearts Again and are not real people’s profiles.
- Widowed and Young (WAY), support for people widowed before 51.