My husband had died some time ago, but I never dated, terrified my children might consider me sullied.

I stared around the coffee shop wild-eyed, terrified by my confession and wondering if this was just poor timing. I thought being out of the house and relaxed for this conversation might be best.

It’s not like anyone could overhear unless we shouted because our comfortable coffee shop nook was almost walled in, surrounded by bookshelves crammed full.

My daughter wouldn’t judge me, but she had every right to be shocked to her core by my revelation because I hadn’t dated since my husband died.