...seeks lady in her thirties.....

Over the last couple of weeks, I have wondered about how one is supposed to 'move on' after ones wife of twelve years takes ones only child and moves out.

It took me about a week just to accept that my new situation - my new marital status, Separated - is real; that I am not going to wake up with Mary's warm body beside mine again for the foreseeable future, maybe not ever. I am not going to come home to a cheery 'Hi, angel' and a kiss and a hug. I can't now give my son a high-five when he tells me about his day at school, nor join him at PC games or on his playstation.

So, how does one get on with life? Is there a manual, a book about this sort of thing?

Am I supposed to go to bars and clubs and meet other women? Am I even ready for that? I was never good at chatting up women, and after twelve years, I have probably never been worse at it. Should I try online dating? Nah! The adult sites take way too much time and effort for a very slim chance of success unless you are built like Adonis, and I can't see the more platonic sites being any different.

I wouldn't even know what to say in an online advert any more.

Perhaps: 'recently separated man in his mid-forties seeks single lady in her thirties for friendship, maybe more. Must be of medium build, be happy with her appearance, but not vain. Should be capable of keeping a place tidy without being neurotic, and must prefer the company of people to that of horses, dogs, and cats. Must not have extreme views on any subject, but particularly religion, politics or sex. Must like the odd drink, but not like getting drunk and most of all, must not be a smoker.
The perfect candidate would be petite, with a pixie-ish face and lustrous dark hair. She would be no more than 5'6" tall, fit into a size 8 dress (okay maybe a 10), and have nice legs and bum. Kylie Minogue lookalikes are guaranteed a first date.'

Not fussy then, am I?

So what's the answer? You tell me.