craftyone. I am so very sorry to hear how stressful this is. I do understand. I have been a widow since I was just 42 and had to sell the house when my H died and my buyer dropped out the day before we were due to move without telling me! I nearly lost our next house - the children were still at home - but the people begged their next people to hold on and so we just about made it by my dropping the price.
I would try and develop a really hard-hearted attitude to all this! I think the whole process has become a huge bullying machine and the trick is to not let it get to you! Somehow - just somehow - develop that "I don't care any more!" attitude. If it works out now - good. If not,- then there will be another way! I can't think of any other way of coping with it I am afraid. You will hear so many people giving their nightmarish stories about moving and selling and buying the next house! Do not allow anyone to bully you and just try and live your life for other things as well as the moving house issues. I did think people (sorry it was men) tried to bully me when I had my house on sale. I just stood my ground. I did not argue; did not give excuses, I was just a bit vague and sort of distant but polite! I decided if they didn't want to pay my price then tough! I did not really want to be in a negotiating process with them!
I'm sorry I can't offer better help. Please do have a bit of time with friends if you can, and do some things you enjoy. I find that moving can become too overwhelming. I try to become a bit numb about the whole process and just let things happen as much as possible. I have moved three times since my husband died. The first time with the children, but the children were not exactly able to support me, being children, then twice on my own. In some ways it is better on your own, because you do not have anybody disagreeing with you or pestering you to do things. My husband was very critical and a liability when it came to organising things like selling the house.
I really do believe you will get through and will move and settle in your new home! Just try not to let this process overwhelm you! Especially the form with questions - get your Solicitor's help if there are any more like that! Really! These days the whole business has become ridiculous! Poor you! Keep your chin up. It will work out! It's the same for everyone else - so I'm sure you are doing very well and better than it feels!
Do you still wear you original wedding and engagement ring