Elisabeth and dreaming715, thanks for reading my thoughts and sharing yours. I am indeed at peace, though simultaneously very sad. I was so motivated to grow and learn and become the best partner I could, and have learned some great relational skills (I think!).

I think one of the key qualities I’ll look for in my next (and hopefully last) partner is a strong desire to grow and learn. Nobody comes off-the-shelf, ready-to-go, as a perfect partner. But I believe amazing things could happen if both people really want to learn how to build a great relationship.

Incidentally, my opinion for what it’s worth, as to the reason that most relationships fail or become mediocre is that when the romantic phase passes, one or both people think something is “wrong” and doesn’t see that the path to a deeper connection has now just begun – but takes some learning. Just my thoughts.