Hey everyone, it’s been two years since my divorce, and I wanted to share a reflection on my journey. Thankfully, the divorce wasn’t contentious, and I was fortunate enough to keep my house, my dog, and my business. I try to avoid bitterness, so I proposed a yearly lunch to mark our "divorce anniversary." This idea wasn’t rooted in nostalgia; instead, it was about reclaiming my past and acknowledging the time we spent together. Life doesn’t just disappear because a relationship ends poorly.

I liken divorces to car crashes: sometimes there’s a clear party at fault, while at other times it’s just a tragic accident. They’re painful and traumatic experiences, but they don’t always have to be destructive.

So, we had our lunch. It was understandably awkward and distant, but by the end, she surprised me by saying, "I’ve never apologized for what happened. I’m really sorry." Later, she texted me, reflecting on our time together and expressing regret for not being the partner she could have been: "We had a great time together. I was not mature enough to accept and appreciate it. I am terribly sorry for being so superficial and naive and not the best partner that I could have been."

While it may not seem like a huge deal, during the tough times post-separation, I often fantasized about moments like this. So, if you’re feeling hopeless, I hope this gives you a bit of encouragement. People can change and acknowledge their mistakes, even if it happens too late. I’m not considering reconciliation—don’t worry about that—but in a community often filled with stories of bitterness, I think it’s important to recognize that civility and closure are possible.

Ultimately, closure is what most of us seek. While it might not be as fulfilling as I envisioned, I realize that true closure means it no longer holds a significant place in my heart, but then that's the point of proper closure: when you finally get it, it doesn't matter anymore