Coleen says

What a difficult time you must have had. You’re long overdue some happiness in your life. The positive thing to come out of your letter is that you feel ready to move on.

I think you need to get yourself out there among other people – whether that’s finding a social club where you can meet people of a similar age in the evenings or a dog walking club.

Even if it doesn’t lead to romance (which it might), you’ll hopefully meet men and women who will become your friends.

I know people who have found friendship and new interests through the University of The Third Age (u3a.org.uk) for semiretired and retired people.

You could even do a computer course and learn to use a smartphone – the next thing you know, you’ll be using a dating app.

I wish you lots of luck – you deserve it.