Unlike most people in the U.S. who are rushing around getting ready to enjoy this long weekend, I'm kind of dreading it. This weekend marks the 3rd un-anniversary of me ending my last relationship. We weren't married, but we were together seven years, lived together for 6. It was not a pretty break up. It just so happens that all of my friends are out of town this weekend or off doing things with their families, I'm struggling with my new business, so I can't really afford to travel right now and I have no family anywhere remotely nearby.

So, being solitary this long holiday weekend is going to be a bit rough for me. It's particularly tough being a sleever at times like this because I don't want to use food to help ease the pain of the loneliness, which is something I did my whole life and is part of what landed me on the surgical table to begin with. I have some things planned to keep me distracted, the weather is lovely here now, so I'll probably just take my puppy out for some nice long walks and maybe take my bike out. I think holidays are the toughest on us singletons and I think being lonely is one of the hardest things to overcome without resorting to the comfort of food, anyone else feeling that too?

@@Oak Park Lorena, I'm single too. When I have to go it alone on the holidays I use the time to catch up on the books, movies and tv shows that are so ridiculous or awful that I refuse to admit to watching/reading them. This way no one can prove it, short of confiscating my e-reader.

First Fourth of July without my husband of 39 years. I've had several holidays without him since he passed away in October. I have my daughter and her husband and granddaughters that live close and I celebrated Thanksgiving , Christmas, New Years , Valentines Day and our Anniversary (would have been 40th) in his memory. Even though people

are around you still have a feeling of being alone. I stay busy and do enjoy my time. Happy Fourth to everyone .