@LucyE I am so sorry to hear that he wasn't able to cope. I have a friend who was engaged, when he was in recovery from prostrate cancer, she walked out on him as he ;'wasn't going to be the man she thought he was' poor bugger, it seriously kicked his confidence, as i'm sure that would have for yourself.
I have thought back to a couple of the guys I have dated, and I doubt that many of them would not have coped either, I just got lucky I guess! About time too! My last ex (over 5 years ago) was abusive & would have found some way of making me feel it was my fault somehow, he had a nack for that.
@Cyclo I hope you do get back on the horse so to speak, get out there & just have some fun! Probably the best way is to just find something that you enjoy doing & join a social club for it - and there are always online dating sites - just be aware, most who say they're looking for a relationship, really aren't, although different age groups may be different, but the mid 40's-mid 50's and younger are a bit silly like that.