My wife just left three weeks ago. I went crazy with the thought of being alone. I couldn't even sleep in my own bed. I had my kids around. But they're reeling from "mom" leaving the family.

I went to my brothers. I spent nights at a friends house. I talked, texed on the phone a lot. Invited friends to come over.

My thoughts are with you. Take care

Hi mbstone,
I know exactly how you feel. It's been almost 7 months since my H walked out on us and I HATE THE LONELY NIGHTS. I was never a wine drinker before but one glass seems to relax me some. Staying with a friend or having a friend stay with you really does help. I like to read to but writing in my journal or journaling here on DS really helps also. I also like to put on fun dance music and dance around the house I know it seems silly but it really lifts my spirits. Just keep telling yourself " This to shall pass" and sooner than you think the nights or quiet time won't seem so QUIET OR LONELY.
Keeping you in my prayers.

I would suggest staying busy with friends and exercise helps. Look up Zumba in your area. I love it and you can be silly and healthy at the same time. Most places the first class is free. Prayers and hugs for you!! Diane

This is really tough, and I know how you feel. You aren't used to being alone, and neither am I. What I do, though, is invite friends to do things with (like karaoke), go window shopping, watch Westerns (they aren't sappy with romance if you are avoiding those!), get back in touch with friends and family you haven't seen and listen to what they are going through. It's hard to listen when we are going through our own trials, so we have to relearn, sometimes. Read real life crime books, go to book stores and research topics you are interested in, watch TV shows like Cake Boss or any of the silly Housewives of NJ, NY or OC....great ways to escape! Listen to music you listened to in high school or a time when you had a strong sense of self before marriage. Try one of the video games if your kids have some they can show you before they go, they can be very addictive!. Swimming, tanning, as everyone else said, general exercise. Also, you could check with your local hospital and see if they need any volunteers. Sometimes, seeing folks that need help physically helps us appreciate why health is so important and we may learn to look for sign that may save a persons lives, like stroke victims. I bought a packet on how to learn Italian and haven't opened it, but it is there. I also have vocabulary flash cards from taking my GRE. I looked at them briefly a few months ago, but they are something to do. Check into your local stable and see if they have horseback riding available. Find out what the latest happenings are in your area...concerts, art shows. Crossword puzzles, word searches. I play Frontierville on Facebook :) Whatever you do, remember that this is all about you, so make each moment count for YOU! Try new looks, wear a tiara while you clean the house singing those old songs :) Best wishes and let us know. Hugs!

You could try going out to dinner by yourself. Bring a book with you while you are waiting for your food, people will think you are very educated,lol! People watching at a mall or park is fun, too. Imake up stories in my head about them. (no, I am not crazy) You could also take in a movie by yourself, just no romance or tear jerkers. Try going to a matinee. If you have a zoo or even a pet store around, that might be good, too. Don't stay in your house too long, you need to get out, even if it is for an hour. Good luck and God Bless.

You have a great opportunity! You now have the chance and the time to explore more of YOU. That is what happened to me.

I remember that when I first started walking my way through Hell that I didn't know what to do. I tried a few things that I used to like to do, but lost the time. One I found that I could not do anymore, but that is good. Now I know in my head instead of wondering.

I found that I love walking my dog, hiking, bicycling, and other small things that I had lost. These things are now a big part of my life. I am so glad that I was able to take the time and explore.

I hope that you do, too.

I love reading and with my schedule that can sometimes be hard to do. You might find you like the quietness of an empty house at the end of the day. Try to make plans with some friends. Try a new recipe. In fact you could have a pot luck supper one night with a few friends. Go see a movie. Try some things you always wanted to try and never had the time. The possibilities are only limited by what you want to do.