It took me almost a year before I could enter a large store to shop again. I had to sit in the car for awhile just to buy groceries! I would finally run in, grab a few things..all in the first few aisles and then get out. As time went on and I did it more and more, I was able to get back into the swing of things. Don't give up. Try again in a smaller store..maybe a strip mall where you can get out and breathe when you need too.

Smaller steps..baby steps at first is the only way to handle it. The first time i went out i thought people were staring at me as if i had a sign on my fore head saying I am A Widow. I quit going out for a while. Even now i feel strange going out alone But i have to now and then. It isn't as hard now either. I find most people to be friendly and kind maybe it is because they do not know i am a widow. But they seem to treat me as a regular person too ,which i like. Strangers kindnesses are also my courage and this site. Am Grateful for everyone on here.Take it easy on yourself :)

Mamza I have a lot of the same feelings as you. Seeing other couples my age or older really gets me. I also think what did I do to deserve this - I've always been a good person (or at least I thought so). I can't drive down the street without seeing all of the stores, restaurants and other places we always went to and now I'm going to these all alone. My husband died a year ago this month but I still have that gray cloud of sadness that follows me around every day.

My husband of 34 years passed away 10 months ago, at first it was very difficult to go to the store as I was also his caretaker for the last 12 years of his life and when he was alive, I always shopped with him in mind, always buying the things he enjoyed the most. At first it was hard shopping for myself and it still is but not as much as it was in the beginning. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him, and there are so many things that bring back memories of what once was and the reality of that it will never be again, at least not here on earth. I think it is important to know that God loves you, He knows your pain, He knows what you are going through, trust Him for peace and comfort and He will provide. Losing a loved one has nothing to do with you or anything that you did wrong, it is something everyone has to go through at some point in their lives. Death is part of life, as a Christian, I know there is life for all eternity after death and I know my husband is with God and is at peace, he suffered a lot the last few years of his life, God knows when to take each of us, we just have to trust Him the short time while we are here and meditate on His promises which are for all eternity. Rev. 21:4 And He will wipe-away every tear from their eyes. And there will no longer be death, nor will there be mourning nor crying nor pain any longer, because the first things passed away”.

Beautiful comments siennag, and I can so relate to everyone's comments here. I still don't go into "our" shop! The first time I went I literally had to run out too. I am moving away from my neighbourhood so will soon have new experiences but nothing can ever be the same when you lose the love of your life. Much love xx

its only been 6 days and I dont want to here one more time when are the arrangements you are so strong,,, Im not strong

I believe we all go through this difficult stage. I also cried when I had to do grocery shopping, going to functions without my husband. I didn't care what people think.

It's been 3 years for me, the emotions do level out in time. But, the memories will always be with us, some good, some hurtful. We cope with what we are given each in our own way.

It takes time, @ least you tried, give yourself a "pat on the back". Possibly next time you could park @ a door that's close to where you could purchase what's needed.

It's nothing that "we did so wrong", it's the price of LOVE
As we continue our life here on earth, overwhelmed @ times, stretched beyond belief, we are blessed to know that He is faithful
jdp

OMG. I can't stand to see things with couples and I seem to notice things more since my husband died. I notice every time I see a couple holding hands or touching. It makes my stomach turn because all I can do is think about my loss and how I had that and now it's gone. Someone actually sent me one of those things on Facebook where you are supposed to post of a photo of you and your love. First, the person is lucky that I can maintain some control cause I wanted to tell them how awful I thought they were and that I didn't care that they sent it to all their contacts. Don't be so heartless and self absorbed. Valentine's day was right after our anniversary and was the first of many that I would spend without him and seeing people with their post of love made me physically ill. I understand that it's early yet for me and that it will get easier but it's so hard to see that right now.