I’ve never had problems about going to the theatre or concerts alone, either before or after I was widowed. Eating alone I found easy during the day, but more difficult in the evening. I’ve never much liked eating out in the evening anyway, but if I was going to the theatre in London by myself it was difficult to avoid. Sometimes I would have room service in the hotel, sometimes I would buy Marks and Spencer’s sandwiches and eat them in my hotel room. Better than going to a restaurant.
I don't think I changed my lifestyle much when my husband died, but going home at night on public transport felt a bit daunting at first. I never stopped going out, though. I had a good example in my mother who always went out on her own, if she was interested in something and my father wasn’t, which happened quite a lot.
Because I was widowed young I didn’t know any other widows, but I had friends who were perfectly happy to go out with me rather than their husbands. Eventually I found some single friends, too.