Coming home to an empty house is the hardest thing you have to do after the loss of a partner. Learning to live alone after years of having a loving relationship, must be worked on. It will not be an easy adjustment. It takes time and practice. Do not go into a dark house. Leave a light or two on. Set your electronic equipment to turn on some music just before you get home. Have a friend go in with you as you both take a look around, just to be safe.

You may find solace in keeping familiar things around. There is nothing wrong with that unless you become excessive in your attachment to them. After all, they do represent your life as much as that of your partner. Others may choose to change everything. Then the color on the walls does not go with the new furniture, so they repaint. This is alright also. Whatever helps you get past the first stages of grief.

If you have children, remember that they have had a great loss also. It is your job to help them cope with the loss. Yes, they still have their mates or friends and social circle, but they still feel the loss as you do. Your pain seems unbearable and they realize this and want to help but this is something that you have to do on your own.

As time goes on the pain lessens. It never goes away but it does get better. You are not alone. Ask for help from your friends or your church. Join a grief group. Look them up on the Internet. Communicate with others that are going through the same thing you are. This helps a lot. Try it.