This petition asks that Facebook allow users who are widowed to be able to retain the “widowed from” status permanently, and allow users to create a new relationship status if they would like.  

Currently, only one relationship can be listed on Facebook.  Users who are widowed and find themselves in a new relationship must delete their previous relationship, before listing a new one.  This is problematic, as some who has been married and lost their spouse now must make a decision to delete a major relationship in their life from social media, or not add a new relationship. 

In January 2020, my wife of 24 years, died at her own hand. She always suggested that I should be willing to move on and find a new relationship if she died.  I have been thinking about this recently, but when I learned that I would have to delete our relationship on social media to add a possible new relationship, it really caused a lot of grief.  I want to be able to honor 24+ years of marriage, even if a new relationship has begun.  

This could help 10,000s of users on Facebook and social media feel comfortable to tell their past, present and future story, and still honor a very meaningful past relationship.