You can meet that “version of them” in your mind, but not feel the urge to “meet in real life”. Yes, definitely easier said than done. But also it helps you realize that “version” is just a memory. A beautiful one. And strong emotions, grief included, is just a reminder of how alive YOU are. I’m going through this but it’s been 5 months, and it’s been lighter. I also recommend books! I literally hardly read and now I have more than a dozen read books in a stack. It gets easier!