The latter statement may have been true, but the fact that I just did not feel ready was sufficient reason not to do it. I found it extremely embarrassing simply contemplating the thought of asking someone out for a date. Slowly, a bit at a time, I came to the place where I wanted some female company. I began dating a few women that I had gotten to know through a friend in a similar situation. One of those women eventually became my wife.
People feel awkward or embarrassed around a grieving person.
They don't know what to say. They don't want to upset the bereaved, but they want to say something. I clearly remember a couple who wanted to give me their condolences but did not want to upset me. They were talking to my brother, and he advised them to go ahead as I was standing nearby. So they came over and saw me.