I'm so sorry for your loss. My husband and I were married 40 years. I can well relate to how you feel. It will take time to get through the grieving. It will be better with time. It took time to learn to live alone. A month after he died I had a security system installed. I still have it twelve years later. Also there are neighbors near with having the condo units attached. While I'm alone in the house, I wear my cell phone on a cord around my neck. When I'm in the shower, I keep it nearby on the vanity with the cord dangling towards the floor in case of a fall.
I still turn the radio on to easy listening music when I first wake up, I've made a good adjustment. All of my friends are widowed. Some, I met in a bereavement group. Take it one day at a time. Try to take good care of yourself. Be good to yourself. Buy yourself flowers and good food.
My thoughts are with you for strength and peace. Hugs, Dolores

I was with my husband for 42 years, married 41.. I also met my husband right out of high school & like you, never lived alone. My husband also died suddenly without any health warning. It has been 3 & 1/2 yrs and I have not adjusted well. As for "creating a new normal" I don't know how. More time passing seems to be harder than the initial shock because the effect of being alone SO LONG is damaging. I had some critical health issues real soon though, so that made adjusting harder. I am healthy now, but am not socially well, or functional. No friends nearby are widowed. That is hard because everyone has a full life with husbands, family etc.
Try to take the good advice of people here who are doing better. There are some good ideas. I rarely post anymore, but your loss is similar to mine.
All my best to you.
B.

How about to get a pet? or a roommate (tenant)?

I'm sorry for your loss.

I hate living alone too. Seems like I'm constantly in the ER. i did fall - and fractured my wrist. Because I had surgery, it's setting me back for 6 months or so, I'm guessing. Of course I was alone when it happened. I don't want a pet. I tried to get a roommate, but she declined. I think it was the one bathroom issue. BEING ALONE IS DEFINITELY UNHEALTHY. Being unable to drive makes it even worse. I have to depend on others. I'm ready to move forward, but I can't. The only thing that keeps me sane is thinking about relocating, and the hope that my hand will still function properly after the plate comes out. I'm back to marking time.

My husband died suddenly with no warnings also. I was with him straight out of High School also. 25 years together married 23 at the time of loss. My kids are grown and starting to get married and or move in with their girlfriends. My oldest son just moved out for the second time and boy did empty nest take on a new meaning. I was so looking forward to my husband and I taking our RV and seeing new places.
I hate living alone. It does affect some people differently and some actually embrace it. Not me. I just exist. I live in a small town where there is no support groups or opportunities to meet people. Some who I thought were my friends have been harsh telling me I need to get a life. No one wants to hear how I feel or that I struggle. I'm not the type to feel sorry for myself but sometimes I think this is all my future will be.... alone and sad. I don't really have advice except to focus on yourself and keeping yourself healthy and try to find things for you. Its ok to be selfish sometimes. You deserve that.