After two days of driving, the fam and I are at our destination. We’ll be staying in the wilds of Virginia, about an hour from Washington, DC. I say wilds, but there’s a little sarcasm in my voice. Yes, the house I’m staying in is on a hilltop all by its lonesome, but it’s hardly the wilds when you can reach a shopping mall inside ten minutes. Still, it’s lovely. A little chillier than Arkansas at the moment, but not bad.
If I tell you I’m staying at my ex’s with his girlfriend, will you think I’m terribly strange? We’ve managed to keep a friendly (not too friendly, mind you!) relationship over the years. We genuinely like to see each other, catch up on what’s happening in our lives, reminisce, etc.
I do find it strange that it took us going our separate ways to find out what we really wanted out of life. He has his thriving business; I have my thriving writing career. He’s much more social than I am, so living in a more populated area suits him fine, while I love my countrified isolation.
Family remains very important to us, so keeping things friendly really isn’t an effort. And it’s one less stressor in a life full of challenges. Which makes me wonder, have you ever had a relationship like that? A post-breakup friendship?
I have guests lined up for the rest of my visit here; just thought I’d poke my head in the door and say hello. Ciao for now! ~DD 🙂
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Actually, I have had a couple boyfriends that I remained friends with after we “broke up.” It is nice when all parties can be adult and let by-gones be by-gones. It makes life so much more pleasant. I am happy that you found that.
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Glad you were able to move past the hurt to be able to be civil. Life’s too short to hold onto negative feelings.
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I have in the past with boy friends been able to stay friends. With the ex husband, though, I’m not there yet. I left him in October 2012 and although my son still lives with him and I see the ex when I visit with my son I am only tolerant with him.
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I don’t think it strange at all. Both my parents were married to different people before marrying each other. In fact my Dad’s EX, was like an Aunt to me. We always had a huge Christmas gatherings at her house. My older brothers (22 & 25 years older) their children & assorted friends were always there. My Mother & my Dad’s Ex had a good friendship. I never thought it was odd at all.
So good to hear that your family & extended family are so close. I think that’s a really special quality that says a great deal about you and your family. 🙂
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I actually married an ex. We had no contact for ten years. He cam back into my life and we have been together now for 33 years.
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Not strange at all. I stayed close with my ex’s family after we divorced. My daughter was raised calling them Aunt and Uncle and didn’t know they actually weren’t until recently. My ex father in law was so excited when he found out I was pregnant that he was going to have a new grand child even though his son and I had been divorced over 10 years. I think it would be a better place if we all got along.
Amy Fendley
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My dad’s ex-wife introduced him to my mom because she thought they would be perfect for each other. They remained friends through the years. She came to mom’s funeral which shocked people when she sat with the family.
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Amy, I so agree!
Susan, that’s a beautiful story!
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I’m happy that you’re able to be close, and I bet your kids are, too.
My parents, divorced for almost 40 years, have been friends for the past ten years. Still freaks me the hell out to see them hug. Now, they live 1000 miles apart and see each other every two years, but his wife and my mom text frequently.