Hi Paul. I'm nearly 7 months into this, having suddenly lost my husband, he was 50. I don't think we know how to cope, we just survive through each day as best we can. In the early weeks I felt so desperate and stayed in denial for a long time. However, the denial has slipped away, I don't exactly know when but I think time does change things as it goes by. It went from a constant agony with constant huge waves of grief to the waves coming a little less often and a little smaller. Keeping busy, is how I always cope so I have less thinking time. I've also got better at keeping my grief to myself with lots of practice so I feel I gave some control when everything has been so out if my control. Hang in there, I know the loneliness is crippling but you're not alone sadly there are many if us here and someone is always there to listen. I've found this site invaluable, hope it helps you too. Take care.