I have just looked at a thread full of kindness and understanding for a woman recently widowed and it was really good to see the thoughtfulness people showed in the thread, and in real life. It is not hard to see why widowhood can be a heartbreaking time of grief and readjustment and kind friends can make a huge difference in supporting someone when they lose their spouse and in the months and years to follow.
I want to add that someone who is on their own following divorce often - maybe usually - goes through a time of grief, loss, loneliness, pain and readjustment and they too have a great need for the support of friends. I think people who have not been divorced may not realise this - especially if the divorce was started by the person now living alone. It would be easy to assume that they are now free of a painful relationship and must surely be happier. This is in one way true - its a relief to be safe. But it is not too unlike being widowed, except that divorce does not elicit the same sympathy and caring responses as when a partner dies. So this is just to alert people to the pain of anyone who is alone after having had a partner, whatever the cause of their now being single - everyone adjusting to a new life on their own needs thoughtfulness and kindness. A smile, a short chat, a cup of tea, a meal, asking if they want to talk - all can make a real difference. I think too that supporting someone who may be lonely and sad can be really rewarding to the giver of that kindness and support.
Of course there are people living alone for other reasons too. People need people and thoughtful kindness and friendship can transform lives.
