I lost my dear wife from ALS seven years ago this month. Some friends drifted away but some have sort of stayed. I've had to do some of the work to maintain connections. My wife was gregarious and attracted people to her. I grew to rely on her for social connections. Now that she's gone, I've had to learn to make friends and stay connected.

It's natural that people come and go in our lives. It takes work to stay connected. It's probably not you causing your old friends to drift away but maybe a lack of relationship maintenance. As some friends leave, we need to replenish with new relationships. As you and I have painfully learned, nothing lasts forever. So we must renew.

I know it took a lot for you to come and reach out to this group for a second time, and I hope this time you will give us a chance to get to know you and offer our thoughts to you. I lost my husband a year ago in June, and this group and the site in general has helped me to feel not so alone. I've gone through the same thing with friends after Richard past. They reach out in the first few months, then slowly leave you. It time to make new friends and see what new people can help you with. It's important for you to get into the conversations here and add your own thoughts. So please do try to get involved as there are many wonderful people on this site.

Mostly Atheists here ....we all live by our word not bible lies or prEying for miracles.....by writing down here what you care to share about Sam the reality of it all can be managed your way which is always the right way ....their is no wrong way mourning grief of loss.....I think us guys are repressed in society differently than women in patriarchal theocracies....we are allowed smaller vocabularies of emotions self awareness and self actualization....regardless of your status I hope you read all the helpful hints from wise people here....there are Atheist MeetUPs driving distance everywhere so don't suffer alone....get out shake hands make new friends and keep working at your job .....keep improving your routine and thank you for sharing....makes me cherish my Teri memories even more because of your words here

Sometimes people who knew you as 1/2 of a couple stop dealing with you when your are single. It's nuts. And it's wrong. But it's something I've seen.

Apparently it's time to make new - steadier friends. Perhaps ones who don't care whether you are attached or not?

If you haven't you might consider therapy or a support group. Because this has to be hard to do on your own.

Welcome. I'm sorry you had to be a member of this group but glad you found us. We all go through grief in or own way. At our own pace. My family and friends pretty much bailed on me too. I think it scares them. That it could have been them instead of us.

Glad you are here and I’m sorry you are lonely.Its only been over a yr for me.But I thank goodness I do not feel lonely. Alone yes. pretty much all by my lonesome.
Say anything you want here we know your pain.