WillThink4Wine

I personally do not know anybody who has actually had an amicable divorce, as I did. Mr. X and I remain friends, albeit distant (we don’t even live in the same state anymore). In fact, my parents still miss him, especially my Dad.

After dating 5 years, I married my high school sweetheart. We certainly thought it would be happily-ever-after. And it mostly was. But something happened we did not expect; we grew into people who shared very few common interests. He is a Chronic Collector of Clutter. I am a Neat-Nik. He is painfully introverted. I am an extrovert. He stays up till all hours. I am in bed by 8:00. He likes fishing and water skiing. I like the Symphony, the Opera and a great Tenor. He likes beer and scotch. I love wine. He is an Atheist. I am a Christian. We had vastly different family values and long-term goals. I mean, really, could we be more different?

As the years passed, we did less and less together, each following our own hobbies and pastimes. Soon, we even developed separate friends. Eventually we began taking separate vacations. During those last few years, we essentially shared morning coffee and the occasional supper.

Thirteen years ago, after 21 years of marriage, we decided to go our separate ways. We spent our last night together crying and hugging each other all through the night. Loving each other was never our problem. We did not hire attorneys. We did not fight over possessions. Because we were not fortunate enough to be able to have children, there was no child-custody issue. We harbored no ill-will towards the other. Total cost of our divorce? $120.00.

We each hugged and said goodbye to our oldest and dearest friend outside the courthouse. We wished each other health and happiness. It remains the single hardest thing I have ever done.

Mr. X has since remarried, this time to someone who shares many of his interests. He is now “Grandpa” to his step-daughter’s son. He is happy.

While I have remained single, I am quite content with my life. I’m not saying that I will never remarry, but I rather doubt it. I’ve gotten very ’settled’ and quite used to having everything exactly as I like it.

So Mr. X, be well. Oh, and Dad says “hi”.

Cheers to you!