Once your TV is gone and the empty space begins to lecture you, you stumble upon an article titled “How to Embrace Solitude.” You scoff and think, “I can’t do that—kissing is too good to give up.”
Then, you find yourself crying like someone on the brink of madness, navigating through an ocean of emptiness. You’ll also laugh, the kind of laugh that echoes the same madness, a bittersweet sound that fills the void. Friends you once thought would always be there suddenly vanish, their affection evaporating without a word.
You’ll find yourself saying, “We’re getting a divorce,” feeling those words weigh heavy in your mouth, as if they belong to someone more seasoned, someone braver—just not you.
Coffee Dates and Late Nights
And there will be coffee dates with tall men who discuss hypnosis and spinal adjustments, throwing around words like “ellipsis,” while sharing stories about trudging home from Catholic school through the snow.
Then there are bar outings at hours you used to reserve for sleep, where an invisible DJ spins a Barry White track, and vivacious girls in short shorts play pool, laughing as if they hold the secret to “What kind of love is this you’re givin me?” just in the way they toss their hair back.
People will remark on your weight loss, complimenting your looks and telling you how amazing you are—yet you’ll hear the underlying message that maybe you should eat a little more.
Finding New Spaces
You’ll find yourself sleeping in various spots: your side of the bed, the middle of it, the couch, or even in the light of day. Eventually, you’ll treat yourself to a new mattress.
Taking off your wedding ring, you’ll notice the pale imprint it left behind on your finger—a reminder of your shared years, like tree rings. Each groove marks a year of growth together, then diverging like branches fighting for sunlight.
You might think love has forgotten you, lost its way to your door, until you hear a familiar sound—its footfall on your porch, and a rhythmic knock that says, “Shave and a haircut, two bits.”
You’ll pause, heart racing, before you finally swing open the door. Of course you will.
Further Reading
If you’re looking for more on the journey of parenthood, check out our post on insemination here. For a comprehensive guide on home insemination, visit this authority on the topic. And if you’re curious about the intricacies of in vitro fertilisation, this resource has got you covered.
Conclusion
In summary, navigating the emotional landscape post-divorce can feel like an abyss. From unexpected coffee dates to the weight of solitude, it’s a journey filled with laughter, tears, and the bittersweet taste of nostalgia. Yet, love may just be waiting at your front door, ready to knock.