@Genie.  No worries at all and yep, I am absolutely in my forties – it’s just that I’ve never really been the mother hen type, just like to help people and provide different perspectives. It’s really cool Jay has noticed the difference – that has to make you feel good. Especially the part about wanting to kiss you again – I hope you responded suitably enthusiastically….. 😉

@CB  Yeah, I get it. I lost almost my entire circle of friends too when I had my bad split. It’s a painful realisation when you work out you don’t have a life outside what you shared with your partner. It’s like on top of the huge betrayal and shock of losing the actual person, you’ve lost your entire life around them. To be honest, those first few months I was in no fit state to do all the “try new things, join clubs etc” stuff that makes sense later down the line – as/when we are allowed to start doing those kind of things. All I focused on was making my way through each day. Eating well and getting regular exercise. This last one I can’t emphasize strongly enough – there’s something about getting outside in nature and literally walking or running off the energy that helped keep me sane. If you are still allowed out where you are – try to do a walk each day and just breathe. Immerse yourself in the surroundings instead of staying in your head.   It also sounds like your best friend was his sister? Did I get that correct? You know, a lot of people do stay friends with their ex’s family. She doesn’t have to be off limits to you for support but don’t expect or ask her to ‘choose sides’. But if she’s willing to listen to you – that was what helped me the most, people who would simply listen as I shared how much it hurt. And obviously we’re all here for you on this forum where you can scream and share as much or as little as you want to. You take care, it’s a tough time for all and even tougher when you’re dealing with it on your own unexpectedly. But you will be ok and it will get better. It’s just baby steps all the way.