There’s this weird human tendency to assume our experience is unique. This tendency lives – even thrives – in an environment where we know a ton of people are actually going through the same things: working. Raising kids. Dealing with aging parents. And yes, going through – or living in the aftermath of – divorce.

 

To a certain extent, we’re right. No one can have the exact same experience we can. No one else had your relationship with your ex. No one else has your relationship with your kids. No one else has the precise blend of your finances, your living arrangements, your demons and your strengths. So, in your defense, your experience is unique.

 

But as unique as it may be, the elements of what you’re going through are also universal. In the course of a given day, we go through the same struggles as a crapload of other people. Sure, the names of the players might be different, and the equalizer of angst might have a bit more yelling here and a bit less laughter there, but we’re all going through permutations of the same stuff.

 

And it’s strangely comforting to know that. To read other stories and see ourselves. To realize we’re not going nuts. And to understand that, at the end of the day, all the chaos, discomfort and uncertainty is survivable. Even better than that, it might just be the walk of fire we have to do before we get to something better. Maybe even great.

 

So, to answer our question: Happily DeMarried is a place to experience things together. To soften the blows of the mistakes we make. And to find new, more productive ways to get through the hard stuff in pursuit of the beautiful stuff that’s on the other side. Why? Because we owe it to our kids. We owe it to each other. And at the end of the day, we owe it to ourselves.