Hi Geoff and welcome
I lost my beloved husband of 40 years july 16 and almost every day since had been a struggle. I miss him terribly and am finding it very difficult to adjust and axcept being on my own.
I know how you feel about the couples situation, I have been away for 2 nights with my sister and brother in law and it just feels awkward...I have been away with same sister once and it was better...though it is never the same as when I come home, there is nobody here. I feel like this every time I am out even with female friends.
Plastic smile is a good description
Good to know others feel the same