Find new circle of friends

Dear Annie: After 18 years of a roller-coaster marriage, I find myself divorced. At the time, I thought it was what I wanted. My husband was verbally and emotionally abusive. He would also destroy my personal property and refuse to attend family functions. He placed tape recorders in my car and followed me when I spent an evening with my girlfriends. He retired early, and instead of taking up a hobby, he took up drinking. I finally had enough and called it quits.

I’ve been on my own for nine months and for some reason find myself missing this man. My life is a lot different, and my financial situation is very stressful. When I was married, I had a beautiful home with lovely gardens and no money worries. I wonder if I should have toughed it out. I have been asked out on dates, but have yet to accept any. I just can’t picture myself with another man.

Is it normal to feel this way? My heart is like stone. How do I get back up and running? – Just Sad

Dear Sad: It is perfectly natural for you to feel adrift and unsure. Being on your own after 18 years can create tremendous anxiety, and struggling financially makes you long for the security of being married – even to an abusive alcoholic. Nine months isn’t very long to navigate through this process. It will help to find a support network – family members, girlfriends, chat lines, book clubs – any place where you can find people who offer friendship. And while you may not be interested in remarrying, dating can help you get out more and meet new people in different social circles, which will help you adjust. You were strong enough to get out of an abusive marriage, and we know you will find the strength to get through this, too.

Dear Annie: I must be from another time. I was invited to a baby shower for an unwed mother and father. I attended in order to keep peace in our family. The father of the new baby boy was there, and the girl’s grandmother gave the shower.

I have never heard of anything like this. If both parents are there, wouldn’t it be nice if they had gotten married before having a baby shower? Or am I just not getting what is going on these days? – In Disbelief

Dear Disbelief: At least the father is involved. These days, it’s not uncommon for women to have baby showers when there is no father in the picture. Please don’t punish the baby for the parents’ life choices. We hope they will provide emotional stability for that child, married or not, and it serves no purpose for the relatives to treat the infant as a badge of shame. That little boy will need all of you.