As a new widow, I expected profound sadness, but was thrown off-guard by changing relationships and unexpected social awkwardness.
I was upset with well-meaning people who: - offered words of wisdom - compared their prior losses to mine - introduced me as a widow before I was ready - failed to include me - assumed I'd be back on my feet after a year I was upset with myself for: - seeking too much sympathy - asking for help too often - responding unhappily to invitations - telling my story of loss to strangers - sharing the worst side of me with my closest friends In 45 essays, two voices describe the social challenges I encountered.
My personal voice is overwhelmed with grief and my changing identity while my voice as a psychologist attempts to identify what I can do for myself to cope and move on.
| Who | offered words of wisdom compared their prior losses to mine introduced me as a widow before |
|---|---|
| I was upset with myself for | seeking too much sympathy asking for help too often responding unhappily to invitations telling my story of loss to strangers sharing the worst side of me with my closest friends |
Eileen L Cooley Newly widowed, now socially awkward: facing interpersonal challenges after loss, paperback/eileen l. cooley ph. d.
