Hi Phoebe, I'm with you on the thrift store outfits! I love to browse in charity shops - and if I buy I go for good brands. Yesterday I was wearing a nice top and got a compliment from a female colleague. I was given that top by a friend who rummaged in her own thrift shop bag and gave it to me!

Sounds like you are doing well, given all circumstances. I agree with you on the social GAL, and it is an area to keep extending on I think. One challenge I set myself was - each month, I had to start up a new regular GAL activity. These included things like yoga, volunteering, a regular calligraphy workshop, a reading group, a ladies social group, salsa classes etc.

Over time, one or two of these dropped by the wayside, but almost 2 years after BD, I'm busy and I find that my weeks just get filled with social things. Have you considered volunteering at all in an activity you enjoy? I do a regular stint in a lovely charity book and music store. I enjoy that and meet a great cross section of people...

JMHO of course, but GAL does help a great deal - gives us a new focus etc. Take care anyway, and I think you are doing fine - just where you should be xx

T 13 M 7
Me 48 H 46
SS 15
BD 7.14 PA
D final 5.16 (H filed)

We receive & we lose, and must try to achieve gratitude & embrace with whole hearts whatever of life that remains after the losses - Dubus