Surviving Your Partner

Forming new relationships

LOSING YOUR FRIENDS

In losing their partner, some people lose the only real friend in their lives.

And some find that, because they are no longer part of a couple but have become a single person, they lose the friends that they shared with their partner as sets of couples. It may seem unbelievable that anyone could be so insensitive as to push a newly-bereaved person out of their circle of friends, but that is exactly what happens on many occasions.

When you become a single person again after losing your partner the way the rest of the world relates to you changes almost overnight. At first you may be far too engrossed in your grief and the immediate practical problems of life for it to matter to you, but gradually you will realise what is happening.

A SUMMARY OF 'FORMING NEW RELATIONSHIPS'

1. It isn't uncommon to lose the friendship of other couples after your partner has died.
2. New friends can be found through new activities or work.
3. For many people the time comes when they are ready to consider finding a new partner.
4. Falling in love is just as much fun and just as complicated the second time around.
5. Anyone setting out on a new relationship may have to deal with the disapproval of their family.
6. Anyone considering making a new partnership a permanent arrangement should consider all the implications carefully beforehand.

DISCUSSION POINTS OF 'FORMING NEW RELATIONSHIPS'

The discussion points at the end of each chapter aim to help you to relate the subject matter to your own circumstances. Suggested ways of approaching the issues are given in a separate section at the end of the book.

1. Would you be really hurt or would you understand if your "couple" friends stopped seeing you?
2. Are you the sort of person who finds it easy to make friends or do you find that most of the people you meet remain as superficial acquaintances?
3. What sort of qualities would you look or in a new partner?

Please note: These are extracts taken from the book, 'Surviving Your Partner'. If you would like to buy the book please click here