@sdp it perhaps is a little shallow, but how well she looks has really struck people.
Even though they would have been two very comfortable people with means, she was what you might call a bit dowdy.
Box home hair colour, carrying a bit of weight and nondescript practical clothes.
The shock and stress of it all meant she dropped 2+stone without trying.
She explained that when their money was finalised she suddenly felt the freedom to spend on herself for the first time, even though in fairness she always had her own money and her husband had never been mean or controlling with money. It was just who she was, a bit frugal.
She got her hair cut and properly coloured, returning to her own auburn colour which suits her so much better, makes her blue eyes pop.
She updated her wardrobe with friends and suddenly she looks at least 10 years younger, ......at least.
She has great skin, which helps.
The hair colour has transformed her.
She has been teased often that she is an add for divorce!
You can lose yourself easily as you age particularly if you have a selfish partner and the marriage is just chugging along.
She has professed no interest in meeting anyone, although she has been approached by a few men.
Even a few married men at the golf club...but thats another story🙄.
I certainly couldn't see her living with another man, she just loves her little house, being able to have girlfriends to stay, of which she has many.
She also hosts regular "bring a dish" nights for friends which are great nights, I've been to a couple.
Like I said she's an add for it.
I see similar for the OP when this period is behind her.