Post separation and self image

[pcollie]

Hi all
I'm a fella in my early 60s about to enter the single world again after nearly 30 years with my partner. We still respect each other, still work hard to make sure our teenage and older children don't suffer and after Christmas know I'll be moving out of our family home to find my way in the big wide world all over again!
Facing this future is leaving me feeling rather emotionally fragile and one of the things I'm battling with is how others will regard me when it becomes common knowledge that we've split up. My own (perhaps prejudiced) view is that men come across as ever-so-slightly 'sad' when they're known as a divorcee and though I shouldn't worry what others think, I dread being seen in this way. I intend to put into practice all the advice I've read about finding happiness after divorce, difficult though I expect that will be at times, but I wonder - is it best to keep 'mum' about my separation to all but my close friends and relations or say it out loud? Basically, how do you regard the older divorced/separated man?

It's always sad when anyone breaks up, even when it's for the best, this isn't unique to older people or older men. Do what's best for you, if you find it uncomfortable to have people knowing then don't tell them, if it helps to have some understanding or listening ears, then tell them. It can be really helpful to connect with new and old people when you are recently single, helps you explore the parts of yourself which were laying dormant while you were in a union with another person.

Life is too short - don't worry about being judged, just do what feels right for you!