Does the emptiness feeling go away?

[Sleep10]

I ended my 18 year relationship in February. It was toxic, emotional abusive, rubbish partner and father to our children.
After initially wishing I had just put up and carried on I started to feel okish.
I started chatting to a guy which eventually I met with him 3xs. I know it was pretty quick and silly and I told him I wasn't ready to go further but now I feel worse then ever.
Tearful, empty and lost which seems ridiculous as I have amazing children but I just can't shift this mist over me.
Not sure what I'm asking you really, does it get better? Does it go? Maybe I need a good shake or just a handhold?..

You have only just finished a serious relationship. You don't need to rush into another one, can you find some fun activities to do to meet new friends?

Oh i know and i shouldn't of met that guy, it was all too quick.
I don't have childcare to go out and meet people. My Ex has the children twice a month.
I would love to go out and do activities with my children, sometimes difficult as 2 of them don't like change.

It just takes time unfortunately, there is literally no way you can rush feeling better
Perhaps get some counselling to talk about all of your feelings.

See if you can find an activity for all of you at weekends. When a single parent a lot of my socialising involved inviting friends round for meals.

It probably was too soon but it doesn't matter too much when you meet someone, but it is easier if you have other things going on in your life.

Thanks for the messages, I appreciate what you've said

Oh OP don't regret what happened, we all have chapters we chose to forget.

I was in a similar situation to you 9yrs ago - take life a day at a time. F

Find events that your dc will enjoy - ten pin bowling, cinema.

💐

Thank you - I can't think ahead of now it all seems so dark and lonely x

It is very early days for you.

Take it all day at a time, and post here when you are feeling lonely.

Do you work or have friends who you can talk to in real life?

I've had to stop work as I did nights now have no-one to look after the children. I'm currently looking for work that I can do with school hours/ after school club.
Close friend and sister but only so much to say isn't there.