Dear Slice of Life,
I hope this letter finds you well. I recently became single and I’m grappling with intense feelings of loneliness. I was in a relationship for a long time and now that it’s ended, I feel like I’ve forgotten how to be alone. Is it normal to feel this way?
I’ve been trying to keep myself busy with work and hobbies, but I can’t shake off this feeling of emptiness. I miss having someone to share my life with and the thought of starting over is daunting. How do I cope with these feelings?
Moreover, the dating scene is so different now to when I was last single. It seems that everyone meets online these days. I’m not very tech-savvy and the idea of online dating scares me. Do you have any advice on how to navigate this new dating landscape?
Any advice or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Recently Single,
I’m truly sorry to hear about your recent breakup and the feelings of loneliness that have accompanied it. Your feelings are completely valid and very common after the end of a long-term relationship. It’s normal to feel a void when a significant part of your life changes abruptly.
Yes, it is absolutely normal to feel this way.
Keeping yourself busy with work and hobbies is a good first step to cope with these feelings.
However, it’s also important to allow yourself to grieve the end of your relationship. It’s okay to miss having someone to share your life with, and it’s okay to feel daunted by the prospect of starting over. Give yourself permission to feel these emotions and process them at your own pace.
As for navigating the new dating landscape, it’s understandable that you might feel intimidated by the prospect of online dating, especially if you’re not familiar with technology.
However, online dating can also open up a world of possibilities and allow you to meet people you may not have crossed paths with otherwise. If you decide to give it a try, start slow. Choose a platform that you feel comfortable with, create a profile that represents you well, and don’t feel pressured to chat or meet up with anyone until you’re ready.
Remember, the goal is to find someone who respects and appreciates you, whether you meet them online or in person.
Take, for example, the story of Alice. After her long-term relationship ended, she was single for quite some time before deciding to try online dating. Like you, Alice was not very tech-savvy and initially found the whole process daunting.
However, she took her time, learned how to navigate the platforms, and eventually met her current partner. They’ve been together for two years now and couldn’t be happier.
You have already shown great strength by reaching out and looking for ways to navigate your feelings and the changes in your life. Remember that it’s okay to take your time, heal, and learn how to enjoy your own company again before plunging back into the dating scene. You are not alone in this journey, and you have the capability to emerge from this phase stronger and more self-aware.
My door is always open for you, and I’m here to provide advice and support as you navigate the ups and downs of this new chapter in your life.
I hope this « Slice of life » proves useful and do keep coming back for more soon!
