After death of a spouse, a widow(er) retains a strong multidetermined attachment to the lost person. This paper explores the cultural, interpersonal and intrapsychic factors which bolster the tie. After examining obstacles and motivations for remarriage, the paper examines the triadic bonds between the widow(er), first spouse and second spouse. Illustrations of the perceptual and interactional dynamics of the triad are presented to aid the clinician.(SIEC)