DEAR ABBY: I lost my husband to cancer five months ago. When I listen to sad music or watch a sad movie, I think of him and cry. He was a good man who had a lot of friends who cared about him. He also loved life.
I spent all my time taking care of him until the day he died. I did everything for him while he was home and stayed by his side. When he died, I held his hand and kissed him goodbye. Will I ever find another husband to spend my life with? What should I do now? — LOST FOR NOW IN TEXAS
DEAR LOST: Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your beloved husband. The void he has left is palpable. Your chances of finding another mate depend upon whether you are prepared to take as good care of yourself as you did the man you lost. By that, I mean keeping yourself busy enough that you don’t have time to be depressed.
Maintain your physical health by getting out of the house and exercising (walking) at least half an hour each day. Rebuild your social life so you aren’t sitting alone at home listening to sad music and brooding. Volunteer in your community. All of these things will expose you to other people and help you be your best self. While I can’t guarantee it will get you a mate, it will improve the odds.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.