Social Life After Grieving

Hi Cheryl, sorry for your loss.  One of the things my father did was very helpful to him.  He gave himself time.  And when he was ready he started volunteering.  It helped him tremendously, because not only did he feel needed, it gave him a sense of purpose, as well as a feeling of doing something for others, in a social setting.  At your own pace and you guide your own path to that when you’re ready.  Take care.

Radically different, isn't it? You did so many things as a couple, I bet, although you also had different things you did on your own. Part of the awkward phase of regrouping after the death of a spouse is finding out who will be your friend by yourself, instead of part of a couple. Perhaps you won't socialize with couples as much, but maybe with the wife of the pair. Maybe. Or maybe the couple will gradually forget you exist.... Ouch. So you'll find that out: who are your friends now?

I'm guessing you also didn't pursue interests that your husband didn't approve of, or looked down on, or didn't understand, or took up too much space in the bedroom or garage... Or you just didn't have time to pursue...making pottery... learning piano... reaching out to your aunt that he couldn't abide.... what interests of yours are slowly awakening?

What's the biggest challenge right now?

Glad you're here!

Jane