Date: April 9th 2006

THE LOST MY PARTNER NEWSLETTER

VOL. I, Issue 5 October, 2004

Brought to you monthly by Laurie Spector & Ruth Spector Webster, authors of Lost My Partner - What'll I Do?; A Clear, Practical Guide For Coping and Finding Strength When Your Spouse Dies

Hello and welcome to our newsletter! We know how losing a spouse can turn your whole world upside down. It can also make concentrating on anything, even an online newsletter really difficult. Just as we' ve done with our bereavement book, Lost My Partner - What' ll I Do?, we specially designed this newsletter to make getting valuable professional advice " user-friendly" . Each month we offer comfort, reassurance and practical strategies as well as useful tips from our readers.

We want to make this newsletter on ongoing source of support you can turn to any time, so please let us know how we can make it more relevant for you. We welcome any suggestions or ideas that you'd like to share with us.

Let us hear from you at: contact@lostmypartner.com

Thanks for joining us.

Warmest Wishes,

Ruth and Laurie

MONTHLY FEATURE

GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH GOING SOLO

Going alone to restaurants, movies or social occasions is a major shift after any long-term relationship. Many people feel self-conscious about being seen by others as "alone" and fear they"ll stand out in a gathering of people.

Rather than avoiding these situations and cheating yourself of the potential pleasure they offer, try these strategies:

A.) RESTAURANTS. Bring along a book, crossword puzzles, a newspaper or anything else that will keep you occupied and distract you from worrying thoughts. Think about how often you yourself pay attention to other people in restaurants before they "blend into the scenery". Why should others be any different?

B.) PARTIES AND SOCIAL OCCASIONS. Contact the hostess ahead of time and ask if there will be anyone attending who you already know and could be seated next to at a dinner.

C.) MOVIES. Attend matinees (when the price of tickets is generally cheaper, anyway), when you are less likely to be surrounded by couples .

Remember that you were your own person BEFORE you were married, and you STILL ARE. You bring unique gifts and qualities, which are enhanced by life experiences, to any situation.

YOUR QUESTIONS

"My nephew recently came over and told me how much he wanted my late husband's set of golf clubs. My husband really loved those clubs and I just don't feel right about giving them away now. What should I tell my nephew?"

Tell your nephew that you're not ready to part with the clubs. Offer him some other possession of your husband's that has less sentimental value to you.

GETTING THROUGH THE DAYS; Our Readers' Tips

"Since my husband's death, I have trouble remembering what my doctor tells me during appointments. I've starting asking my good friend to come along on doctor's visits. It really helps to have someone there to catch what I miss." Doris G.

Discovered a coping strategy that works for you? Share it with others in future newsletters. Email us at: contact@lostmypartner.com

If you enjoy this newsletter, please tell your friends and/or colleagues about it.

If you' re interested in obtaining a copy/copies of the book, Lost My Partner - What' ll I Do? telephone toll free at 1-877-727-3814 or visit our website: www.lostmypartner.com

(Copyright 2004 by Laurie J. Spector, M.S.W. and Ruth Spector Webster, M.S.W. All rights and all media reserved.)