To feel a bit glum about being alone all next week?

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Dh is away at the moment for work - he went away yesterday and will be back on Friday, leaving me to cope with our dog who,has the canine version of labyrinthitis so can’t be left alone (well, she was fine overnight downstairs, but she was really poorly last week so I am being a bit over protective).

Next week he will be going away on Monday, back on Friday, and I am feeling rather glum about it. I have coped before when he’s been away for the week, and there are things to look forward to (I get to choose what’s on TV, and I can live on cheese sandwiches or microwave curries if I can’t be bothered to cook), but if the dog is still under the weather, I might not be able to go to the social activities that get me out of the house, talking to actual people (knitting groups) - and as I won’t have been out or spoken to a human being this week, between when dh left yesterday and when he gets back, I am feeling rather blue about this.

It is a first world problem, and I know there are people whose other halves are away for much longer, but I didn’t sign up for this - dh made a change in his working arrangements without consulting me. I understand why he made the choice he did - I can see he had no choice, really - but it does make me feel as if all this has been foisted on me, and everyone else is fine with it and don’t seem to care that I am not so happy.

Sorry - it appears I am having a full blown pity party - not just feeling glum.

I expect the ddog will be better by next week so you'll be able to get out. And don't they say we're all responsible for our own happiness? I always wonder how service wives manage on their own for months at a time. Take ddog out, and make sure you go out every day, maybe go Cinema and see something that he wouldn't be interested in. If my DP is away we always phone each other for a chat at 10.00 every evening.

Can you not invite friends or family over to visit you? I would make the most of the time alone as you say, watch box sets that your partner would hate, eat cheese and crackers all week and sort out a few cupboards. Can you still take your dog out for walks?

The dog can’t walk far at all - at the moment she is still unsteady on her feet - the vestibular disease makes her dizzy and the furthest she has gone in recent days is round the turning circle (we live in a cul de sac). And I’m not terribly mobile either.

I know - when I am thinking rationally - that she will probably be better - she is improving gradually, and she is so much better than last Thursday when she couldn’t even stand unaided, and I thought that she was terminal - but I have depression, and I am struggling not to give into the Glum. Depression makes me think none of my friends would want to come round, too (and all my family are too far away, and make me more depressed anyway).

I just need gently slapping and telling that it will be fine.

Bring on the box sets and the convenience food.

I spent everyday alone, the only person I have any conversation with is my 5 year old daughter.

I can't actually remember the last time I had a conversation with an adult.

You'll get through a week, no problem. There's always a mobile phone.... Not to call people... To access Mumsnet..

That my idea of heaven! I love my own company.

Are you retired OP?
Take each day as it comes & invite people over if you find you can't get out.

I've just read that you think nobody wants to come over. Give it a try and don't take it personally if they ARE genuinely busy.

My Dh is away every week mon Monday - Friday night and I have a 1yo. It’s lonely yes but I just try and do things for me and have just taken up embroidery!

My DH is away Monday to Friday about 3 weeks out of 4, we have DDog and 2 DC (baby and toddler) - I almost enjoy the first couple of nights he's away, but then it does get pretty lonely.
I second inviting people over, do some stuff you like that he isn't too keen on.