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Fed up of being alone and a false widow

(67 Posts)
Notjustaprettyface Tue 28-Oct-25 21:05:47

Hellô
My husband has been in a care home for 2 years now and although I have contemplated more than once bringing him home , I have been out off by all the problems it would bring
Our marriage was not one made in heaven and now I find myself alone but officially still married so I suppose unable to start looking for a new relationship
I don’t like living alone , I am lonely and I am sick and tired of not finding a solution
I keep going through it in my head but I don’t know what to do
I am not keen on internet dating sites but I did use one, I would declare straight away that I am still married and I would hope that somebody out there would not be put off but I don’t know , maybe they would
I would prefer meeting someone in a ´ natural ´ way , through fate or whatever
I just wonder if anybody has any thoughts ?
( I know I’ve been advised to join groups and things but in the evening and at weekends you still feel lonely )

Wyllow3 Wed 29-Oct-25 12:23:04

PS, its put me off men quite a bit for now, but then I'd already been tested as in abusive Ex, and decided I would like to"an other" in my life - to "hold and be held". to share the everyday. Not to live with. I like my life alone well enough.

I'm aware at 74 it's a big ask, but I am fortunate to have a loving family and friends - able to chat here on Gransnet, on one more benign chat room, and men I do trust, good, decent people, in my political life.

PaynesGrey Wed 29-Oct-25 12:35:50

Lathyrus3

It h dear, you seem to have got ‘lost” on your own thread Notjustaprettyface.

Do you want to try posting again, a new one, and hopefully get some replies about your dilemma.🙂

Yes. With respect to those that have had some bad experiences with men, can I respectfully suggest that your lengthy posts are hijacking a thread which is about the OP's loneliness.

Patsy70 Wed 29-Oct-25 13:32:32

Notjustaprettyface, shall we get this back on track and respond to your post, as requested?
It must be so difficult for you, especially as your marriage was not ‘one made in Heaven’. What hobbies or interests do you have? It’s natural to feel more lonely in the evenings and at weekends, but the U3A and other groups often meet at these times. They have theatre outings, dinner clubs and a host of other forms of entertainment, with the opportunity of meeting people and making new friends. Personally, I would not consider dating sites or taking a lodger, but that is only my choice. Please research these groups and find something you’d like to be a part of and do keep us updated. 💐

Paperbackwriter Wed 29-Oct-25 13:59:33

Do you like music? If so I recommend going to blues nights in pubs or at a local club if there is one. Older chaps love to be still playing in bands and the gigs are usually full of men Of A Certain Age. All good luck to you.

Lathyrus3 Wed 29-Oct-25 14:05:10

Would you consider taking up bowls.

It holds no attraction for me but I have friends for whom it is a major part of their lives, the games, practice, maintaining the club house and grounds and an active social life of quizzes, barbecues etc.

The women seem to meet for other activities in the clubhouse like Pilates and there’s definitely no shortage of men if a certain age.

😬

Lathyrus3 Wed 29-Oct-25 14:05:40

Or golf. That seems to be a similar thing.

vampirequeen Wed 29-Oct-25 14:20:05

I joined a dating site when I was still married. I learned how to have fun and flirt again. You don't have to physically meet up if you don't want to/feel ready. If you meet someone and you want to be together there is nothing to stop you living together. Don't put your life on hold or eventually you'll move into the land of if only. Also don't bring him home. If he's in a care home then he needs round the clock care and trying to provide that will kill you.

RillaofIngleside Wed 29-Oct-25 14:29:58

Notjustaprettyface

I do sympathise with the dilemma, but wonder if it's a man you need or just company from a friend who you can chat about things to and feel that cares about you?
It is usually the case that men age quicker than women, and you could well end up being a carer to a new partner quite quickly. I would be happy to do this for my DH of 45 years, but not some chap I'd only recently met.
I would never remarry and put my home and family 's inheritance at risk. I have seen this disaster occur several times.
At my age (70) I am happy to make good women friends and holiday and socialise with them. There are many ways to meet really good friends, and certainly in our village we do all care for each other.
And some of the horror stories I read on Mumsnet about modern sexual practices, and my own experience of second marriages have put me right off looking for another husband, should the worst befall us.

SaxonGrace Wed 29-Oct-25 14:30:31

I’m sort off in the same situation although we aren’t married my partner of 13 years has been placed in a care home 60 miles away from where we lived by his so called loving family, even though having nursed him last year for three months after his first stroke when he had another stroke they took over the legal decisions. I now see him once a week, he knows me and is always pleased to see me, however I’ve decided that my life goes on, I’ve joined U3a, and some other groups, I’m not actively looking for someone else but if it happens it happens.

AuntieE Wed 29-Oct-25 14:42:34

Look at it this way: there must be a very good reason why your husband is in care, so if you "bring him home" have you the physical and mental strength to care for him?

This for both your sakes should be your first consideration.

Secondly, I doubt you will feel less alone with him in the house, as caring for him might well mean, as it did for me, that my entire day and night had to revolve around a terminally ill husband's needs.

Most mornings I was so tired, that I could gladly have crawled back into my bed, instead of making it. But as I had to help my husband to and from the bathroom (later, wash him in bed, and empty his urinal at need), shop for food, do the washing, make meals, talk to my husband about the entire situation and to his doctors, there certainly was not time for a social life, unless friends dropped in for coffee and a chat.

And our marriage had had its ups and downs, like all have, but it was basically a good one, which gave me the strength to soldier on.

You have clearly said that your marriage has been harder, so do you really feel you can cope with your husband's care?

If he stays where he is, then you should be able to arrange your week, so you could join some activity that appeals to you, and at least meet some new acquaintances. This should make you feel less lonely.

If you want a relationship to a man in the usual sense of the word, you will have to reconcile it with your conscience to have a "friend with benefits" .

There are a number of divorced men and widowers out there, so it should be possible to find a lover if you want one.

Gogo84 Wed 29-Oct-25 15:02:38

When I separated and was on my own, evenings, at home or at the cinema were fine but I wanted something to do at the weekends. I volunteered at my local hospice, not nursing or anything like that, just clearing away breakfast trays and putting dishes in the washer, things like that, or just chatting to a patient. You would find it most rewarding, as I did.

Essexgirl145 Wed 29-Oct-25 15:09:59

I'm 80, on my own in an independant living complex. They have a coffee morning once a week which I thought I would have a go at. I'm not good socially as I have Vitiligo (White patches on the skin} in my case autoimmune.. One of the ladies down there told me I was someone who no one wanted to be around. I was totaly crushed as we all have something in old age. She was a Quaker, I have a very dim view of these so called Religous groups. I keep my self to myself now, but I'm sure the loneliness will kill me eventually.

Patsytaylor Wed 29-Oct-25 16:04:36

Is there U3A nearby?

Esmay Wed 29-Oct-25 16:14:28

Fancythat - I sought legal advice and was advised not to pursue it .

Notjustaprettyface - concentrate on interests that make you happy and perhaps less on meeting someone .
Join different groups and you might meet a nice man to share your life with .
I really hope that you find some joy in your future .
Good luck .

Rabbitgran Wed 29-Oct-25 17:03:51

Essexgirl45

I am really shocked to hear how unkind the Quaker woman was to you and send you all best wishes. Quakers are supposed to believe in the light that shines in every person and also in non-violence. flowersflowers

Cossy Wed 29-Oct-25 17:37:39

Essexgirl145

I'm 80, on my own in an independant living complex. They have a coffee morning once a week which I thought I would have a go at. I'm not good socially as I have Vitiligo (White patches on the skin} in my case autoimmune.. One of the ladies down there told me I was someone who no one wanted to be around. I was totaly crushed as we all have something in old age. She was a Quaker, I have a very dim view of these so called Religous groups. I keep my self to myself now, but I'm sure the loneliness will kill me eventually.

What a terrible story and how rude and uncaring are your dear “neighbours”.

I’m so so sorry this happened to you thanks

Cossy Wed 29-Oct-25 17:40:28

Wyllow3

PS, its put me off men quite a bit for now, but then I'd already been tested as in abusive Ex, and decided I would like to"an other" in my life - to "hold and be held". to share the everyday. Not to live with. I like my life alone well enough.

I'm aware at 74 it's a big ask, but I am fortunate to have a loving family and friends - able to chat here on Gransnet, on one more benign chat room, and men I do trust, good, decent people, in my political life.

flowers

Aely Wed 29-Oct-25 18:22:57

I had a Judicial Separation from my husband when his mental condition made it impossible for us to live together. We never divorced because it was not his fault he had suffered brain damage and because he still needed someone who could stand up for him as Next of Kin. The legal Separation was mainly to give me financial autonomy from him, so I could bring up our two children, who were still young. I was in my early 40s.

I did date. The fact that I was separated was never hidden and was not a problem. I mainly dated men in a similar position. We both then understood that there was baggage on both sides which had to be accomodated, not ignored. Children came first. If a date had to be postponed or cancelled because a child on either side needed the parent's personal attention, then so be it. The same for the not-quite-ex.

I had three quite long-term, non live-together, relationships over the 9 years until my husband's death and the children adored two of them, but weren't sure about the other being "right" for me! They even discussed it with their father who said it wasn't his business. They were older by then and didn't actually dislike him, so they decided it was totally up to me. Two were "natural" meetings and one was through a Postal dating site, pre-internet.
After my husband's death I did meet my "forever" man on an Internet dating site, a divorcee. My children (young adults by then) totally approved of him, luckily. His took longer. We have considered ourselves partners for 21 years, although we have never lived together. By the time we met we were both too used to living on our own. Sadly he is in very poor health now and we rarely see each other, living in different towns as we have always done.

Sometimes there are situations where Divorce does not seem the right thing to do. Life still has to be lived in the best possible way, according to the circumstances. I wish the OP the best possible life and may the fates look on you kindly in your search for a companion.

Notjustaprettyface Wed 29-Oct-25 19:19:26

Thank you everybody for your kind answers and advice / words of encouragement
I love dancing and I have tried to join a group but all the people there were as a couple and I was the only one on my own so it made me feel really awkward / depressed because it felt like I was billynomates
I go to Italian lessons and I love that but it hasn’t led to possible friendship with a man
I am interested in history , cinema, travelling , walking as much as my arthritic right knee will allow me to !
I did also learn bellringing through my husband and I wouldn’t mind going back to that but I have a problem with my right shoulder ( rotator cuff tear)
I have a dog and I have looked for local dog walkers groups but can’t find any
I go to church most weeks

4allweknow Wed 29-Oct-25 19:19:50

When at work I volunteered with an organisation and made contact with the clients in the evening. Visited them chatted, went out for a light meal(usually a pub) visited theatres, cinema. Some had their own club but had grown withdrawn and needed someone to accompany them. If it is just a contact for "getting out" and it doesn't need to be a male there are organisations out there that may be able to meet your needs.

Wyllow3 Wed 29-Oct-25 19:21:20

Essexgirl145

I'm 80, on my own in an independant living complex. They have a coffee morning once a week which I thought I would have a go at. I'm not good socially as I have Vitiligo (White patches on the skin} in my case autoimmune.. One of the ladies down there told me I was someone who no one wanted to be around. I was totaly crushed as we all have something in old age. She was a Quaker, I have a very dim view of these so called Religous groups. I keep my self to myself now, but I'm sure the loneliness will kill me eventually.

Dear Esssexgirl No way should you go by that one Quaker. I am one and we are full of care for each other.. You've either met a very bad egg

or - her age has overwhelmed her good sense and ordinary kindness. I admire a Quaker Elderly Freind in supported living, and I'm be absolutely honest, as she passed 85 or so she got snappy and quite nasty. Letters of complaint about this and that

Peoples character can change -or , as is sometimes the case, people who who had a suppressed nasty streak inside, covered it up doing most of their life - it starts coming out if people get bitter or disinhibited.

You sound a fine and sensitive person. don't let the nasty ones get you down. For all you know, quite a few people are afraid of her snappy words.

Try and think of someone you feel is more kind. Just make a point of saying "hello" to them....take knitting or a book down to the communal area when it's coffee time, and remember - YOU are the sensitive and thoughtful person, NOT her.

Wyllow3 Wed 29-Oct-25 19:27:56

Notjustaprettyface

Thank you everybody for your kind answers and advice / words of encouragement
I love dancing and I have tried to join a group but all the people there were as a couple and I was the only one on my own so it made me feel really awkward / depressed because it felt like I was billynomates
I go to Italian lessons and I love that but it hasn’t led to possible friendship with a man
I am interested in history , cinema, travelling , walking as much as my arthritic right knee will allow me to !
I did also learn bellringing through my husband and I wouldn’t mind going back to that but I have a problem with my right shoulder ( rotator cuff tear)
I have a dog and I have looked for local dog walkers groups but can’t find any
I go to church most weeks

I think more friendships with women will make you feel a bit less alone, even if you want a man in your life.

Believe me, "finding a man" doesn't make loneliness go, loneliness is a state of mind as well as the people around us. Can you ask yourself, "why do I see having a man as an answer to my loneliness?

I get so very much out of the women I meet in the gym, so very many natters, which is one that has many elderly members.

Locally, here, there are walking groups that always have 2 levels: a group that walks for maybe 80 mins, but one that does slow 20 minutes walks Ask at your local library for any details.

Chris175 Wed 29-Oct-25 19:36:35

Have you thought about hosting a refugee from Ukraine? There is a process to go through to get the visa and approval from the local authority, but I found it very rewarding and although the lady and her daughter no longer live with me, they are close by and we chat regularly. There is some work initially in getting things in place but there is a lot of information on Facebook where a group of women set up a matching service and give a lot of advice. The group is called Sunflower Sisters. You also get a monthly sum from the Local Authority as you cannot charge rent. Just a thought that it might be of interest.

PaynesGrey Wed 29-Oct-25 21:57:32

… I go to Italian lessons and I love that but it hasn’t led to possible friendship with a man ... I am interested in history, cinema … I go to church most weeks.

It seems to me that if were to think of ways to increase social interaction in the evening and weekends generally rather than thinking of opportunities to meet a man, then the one might lead to the other natually. You did say in your opening post that you would prefer meeting someone in a natural way.

Say we focus on Italian, your interest in history and your faith. Your local U3A may offer interest groups for those things already or may not. Mine has French, Spanish and Italian groups, a group for local history, a group discussing philosophy and religion and a church visiting group. Now these do take place in the daytime but what’s to stop you offering something in the evening in your home or in the pub or elsewhere, either through the U3A or independently.

You could sound out your fellow students about starting a supper and Italian conversation group or a wine and Italian group. You could subscribe to a popular Italian language magazine and use the articles as a focus discussion. Or, as you are also interested in cinema, why not invite a few people round and rent Italian language fllms (with subtitles). You can rent DVDs from Cinema Paradiso. All these things help to widen your exposure to the language and Italian culture.

I mentioned on another thread that our U3A has a WYBIG Whats App group. Would You Be Interested in Going? It’s for people seeking company for one-off events, to ask others if they would like to go to something. So you might say: The Odeon has Opera to Screen next week showing Rigoletto. Would anyone like to go? Art galleries have Italian collections. I don’t know if you can get to London easily. The Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art in London is a great place to visit. Try a WYBIG to find someone to join you in having a day out there.

Be assured, you won’t be the only person feeling lonely in the evenings and at weekends, especially at this time of year when it’s dark so early. The key is not to be frightened to reach out to find other people who would like some company.

Notjustaprettyface Wed 29-Oct-25 22:13:30

Thank you paynesgrey
It’s a very good idea but how do you know it’s safe ?
How do you know you re not going to attract the wrong sort of people ?
Maybe I haven’t quite understood how it works ?