Dating a widower, family won't meet me....
DW passed 3.5 yrs ago, (they were married 35 years), we F 58 and M 68 have been dating since 04/25, I stay at his regularly weekends and often longer.
He is a kind man and we have fun but he is struggling and often closed off (he is having counselling for this). He goes on holidays with his friends (always has done) but not with me. I have only met some of his local friends but not any family members.
His 34 DD and 32 DS both have partners and children. DD is struggling to see someone else with her DF so I have never met them. I understand the difficulty etc and am not underestimating how hard it is for them all as a family to welcome a new GF.
So if they come to visit his house while I am there I have to leave for the duration of the visit. Yesterday I took the dogs for a walk and waited for a phone call to go back. I felt really hurt and disrespected by it. Family occasions don't include me. He has met my DS 30.
His son gets married next week and I wasn't invited but I did say before that issue arose i wouldn't expect to be invited as they would find it difficult.
I feel hurt at being asked to leave and sit in a car until I am allowed to return. Last Xmas I was not part of any plans, sadly I see this year being the same.
If it were me I would say - she is here, If you want to see me i'm not asking her to leave do let's me somewhere else.
I am trying not to be over sensitive.....😵💫 how do I negotiate this?
Posted Aug 3, 2026, 10:43 AM UTC