The kindness of strangers: I was crying on a sofa in Ikea. Then a small gesture reminded me that love is possible

Dating as a widow was awkward and I thought a shopping trip would distract me. What it really did was highlight all the couples making homes together

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My wonderful husband passed away in 2010. My father died soon after that, and I remember saying to my mother: “We’re both in the same boat now, Mum – both widowed.” She didn’t agree.

“No, I’m in my 80s and you’ve still got half a life to live,” she responded. “Get out there and live it!”

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