Newly Widowed, Now Socially Awkward: Facing Interpersonal Challenges After Loss

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.

Author: Eileen L Cooley Ph D

Publisher: Eileen L Cooley

Publication Date: Mar 31, 2017

Number of Pages: 218 pages

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

ISBN-10: 099847780X

ISBN-13: 9780998477800