GGMarion, once the finances are sorted, focus on yourself. Living alone needs adjustment, but it has so many advantages. A friend of mine who was in your situation had a few top tips:
- no matter how crummy you feel, get up every day, put on some make-up, even if it just lipstick, put on your 'game face' and get out there. I was sceptical, but doing this gets you in a positive head-space.
- Set up 'treats' throughout the week, for example, coffee with a friend, going to the cinema, going to a museum or gallery, whatever floats your boat, and consciously relish every minute.
- make a list of the stuff you didn't do when you were with him but wanted to. Do the stuff on the list.
My own recommendation would be to get involved in volunteering. There is something out there for everyone and you are never too old. Do something that reflects your interests or involves something you have always fancied having a go at.
I know you are probably feeling right now, but in time you will, as my friend did, find that you prefer being on your own. As a long-time singleton I find the idea of living with someone unappealing (men are like yaks, appealing enough creatures, but you wouldn't want to live with one).