When separating, has anyone else suddenly realised this?

[keepingupwiththejoneses]

STBXH has gone away for work. He does this about twice a year for a few days.
He is due back wednesday and due to move out on friday.
The thing is I have suddenly realised what I have given up for him/he has taken away from me! Not sure which one it is!
I hardly have a relationship with my family and I have no friends! The only adult I have spoken to in the last 2 days was the woman behind the check out in ASDA yesterday morning!
I am terrified I am going to crumble when he comes back.
How am I going to do this for 6 weeks in the summer? I don't work but do volunteer during term time, so fine then. I can't even just take the DC to the park or something, with ds3's asd he just can't cope with parks and places like that when they are busy!
Everyone I know, is through the ds's, and are all in the sn community so to speak, but they all have other friends and DH's. We only tend to get together for support during term time.

The OU website is really good, see of you can find something. If not, I'm a student so I can take a look for you. Pm me.

eclectic that last post was meant for you. I have found just the right course, doesn't start till October though but I will qualify for help and is only charged at £5K for full time I am a happy bunny right now, in that respect anyway, thank you!

Great news! Please check if you can get it cheaper by starting sooner :)

I will give them a ring on Wednesday

Can I just add that it might be worth doing a course that is recognised by UKCP for job prospects.

Is this of interest? It's one I'm thinking of doing after talking to the family therapy worker at work about her job. It's 4 years PT for the MSc and not too expensive either.

Sorry if you've already made your mind up!

"to where with who"

Look at activities in your local community that interest you. Night-school courses, community events, hobbies. My 'thing' is singing so I do that once a week. Ask around the other mums when you drop the kids off at school/nursery. People meet up for all kinds of reasons

When you are in a couple people assume you are sorted socially. When you split make sure the adults you know hear about it & I'm sure you'll be surprised how many people get in touch. Other things like community choirs & exercise classes like zumba are a great way to make new friends if you can get a sitter or while DS is with his dad. I have a whole new circle of friends this way. How old is DS? If he is under 5 your local children's centre family support workers can help you with activities for him & support for you.

Didn't read all thread! Advice might seem a bit crap! Re the maintenance - even if he says he made a loss on his books you'll still get £5 a week - better than nowt? Plus morally it tells him he has to pay something. People won't believe his lies don't worry!

beaten I am going to wait until I go back into the office before I decide what to do. I think I need to speak to the boss there as to what is my best option, I have ordered a prospectus though. The OU on was an undergraduate degree but I am not sure how well they are seen locally!
corgito probably part of the lack of friends issue is because of ds's sn I don't do the school run, he gets transport.
midwife DS is 6 so too old for children's centres. I have looked into choirs before as I used to sing, but there doesn't seem to be any about. Might look into a night course of some sort though!

Good luck!

Zumba is the way forward in my experience - such a craze there are classes in a local school hall or village hall somewhere every night! It's fun, endorphins help you feel better & you'll meet women of all ages & sizes!