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

Read more in the kindness of strangers series

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!”