I responded to your post in the Hen House just so you know. Hope it helps. I agree that media representations are also problematic - on both sides.
Turning your place into your own home is quite cathartic in a way. Right now I'm sitting on my balcony, listening to jazz amongst my newly created "garden." I have dreams of one day sharing a glass of wine with a special guy here (hopefully H) as we debrief our day, but until that time comes I am enjoying it all to myself. Well, with you, too, I guess. Anyway, my point is, seize the opportunity to create a place that you like, where you can retreat to to heal when you need to.
H 37 Me 36 Together 15 years Married 5 years No kids BD Apr 2014 H moved out 2 Jun 2014