Kevin, the first year tears you apart. It doesn't seem real in some respects. You survive(willing or not) thru the first birthdays without your soulmate...the first anniversary, the first Thanksgiving and Christmas, etc. People may not know what to say to you, but they more or less check in periodically. After the first year is over, most people kind of forget your situation. They feel you should've moved on. Unfortunately, this is when you could use their help the most because you really come to the realization that your loved is well and truly gone and that NOTHING is as it was and life SUCKS! I have gotten to the point where I don't do anything I don't want...or see anyone I don't want to see. I know I'm stuck. I miss having my playmate, my confidant, my cheerleader, my sounding board...I'm sorry we are all in this together, but, this site helps me a lot.