Alison - I remember when the rug was pulled from under me and my whole world came tumbling down. It took a good 2 years for me to get myself back again. I look back now and realize it was the best thing that could have happened as that man changed me from a bright, bubbly outgoing confident young woman to a whimpering wreck. I became even more of a wreck when he left me and can't even remember most of it, it's all a haze. I am now a confident, outgoing, strong, together, popular woman who knows her own mind, has lots of friends and although I am still single (a couple of relationships since but never really went anywhere), I'm Ok with that, still hope for Mr Wonderful but I'm happier to be with "no man" than the "wrong man". Just hang in there, cry if you want to, be kind to yourself. It will get better but don't put a time on it as everyone is different. Take good care of yourself and love yourself.