Just wanted to thank everyone for their kind words. I did go to the party and I had a wonderful time. My ex was there alone, and while it was difficult to see him, I was still able to enjoy myself and even forgot he was there a few times. I’m glad I faced it. He and my friends are still close, so he won’t ever be totally out of my life, but it’s good to know that I’m able to handle it. As hard as I was on myself, I didn’t feel anything close to the amount of shame I was expecting. In fact, I didn’t really feel shamed or humiliated at all, just slightly uncomfortable and at times a little sad. But compared to what I was afraid of, it was nothing.