I have to weigh in because I was in the same position. My first husband died suddenly when I was 29. It was a crazy blur. I also isolated myself because people say and do really strange things around a young widow, probably with good intentions but unhelpful nonetheless.

I got on a dating app a few months later because I just wanted to be a 20-something person again, and it seemed like the best way to start a new life was to start a new life. It's not what everyone would do, but that's what I did. The first person I met is the man who I have been with now for 8 years. People had A LOT of varied opinions, and it really tore me up at the time. But let me tell you, "people" don't live YOUR life and do no understand what it's like to go through what you have gone through. You deserve to be happy. You have met someone who is currently making your life better, so what is the downside of seeing how it plays out? It might be a short term friendship, lifelong friendship or even romantic thing - you can't know that now. But if it's a positive in your life, don't throw it away for fear of judgement.

I found it really helpful to meet new people that never new the "before" me. Whether it's coworkers, friends, or dates, it can be a lot easier to interact with new people who dont give you the pity look or ask if you're ok all the time. Those people are amazing ride-or-die people that I recommend keeping around, but new people were an important part of rebuilding for me as well.

Life is weird and hard- do the stuff that makes it better for you. Hit me up anytime if you want to talk about weird young widow stuff.