After my dad died in his late 50s, my mom was single for a while and then started dating a widower. They were together for 22 years until he died, but they never got married or even moved in together. She liked having a companion, someone she could go dancing with, and travel with, but had no more interest in a traditional wife role. She had a wide circle of friends and her own interests and wanted to be able to pursue those as she wished. I love my husband very much, but if he ever dies, I doubt that I will ever marry again for the same reasons.