Almost a year

[Jean-Paul Richard]

It’s been almost a year now. And still some well-meaning folk give me that all-knowing smile, that wistful look, then ask sadly “How are you doing?”  I hate that! I know they mean well, but there seems to be no way I can convince them that I am really doing fine by myself and need to be considered as an individual on his own merits, not as a lost soul who needs comforting. I want to be part of the community, but not if they’re only doing it because they feel sorry for me. There are other groups who have made that leap and I expect the “comforters” will be the last to change.  

[Toby Tucker Hecht]

Perhaps you should convey that message to your friends in a kind way so they wouldn't ask you that again.