I saw an interesting quote today. “You never know your man until you divorce him.” I think we can come up with a more interesting quote just by substituting the word “man” with “friend” One of the strange things about moving on after a divorce is that you quickly discover who your true friends are.

We often find that we have fewer friends after a divorce, especially if you a woman. Some relationships are centered on the couple, and can no longer be friends with the two separate parts that are left over. True friends immediately circle you with support and love and encouragement.

I want to share some recent advice from my friends with any of you who might be struggling right now in a relationship.

• You can be lonely sitting right next to someone who left a long time ago.
• We all need to grieve the death of something, even if it was an illusion of what was.
• Don’t be afraid to walk through new doors, taking your life in a direction towards true happiness.

A true friend will always treat you with kindness and love but will also be truthful about the things you do not want to face. Marriages of people over 60 have tripled over the past few years, and it is often as simple as there is no love left after the kids are raised with families of their own, and retirement has come and gone.

Thank goodness a real friend never stops loving you.  A true friend will stay by your side and help you pick up the pieces and rebuild your life. A true friend will walk right next to you as you start down a new path and will help you find new ways to fill your life with happiness and joy.

I am blessed to have a small circle of friends who have always been there for me, no matter what. Some have been around my whole life, while others I have just met along my journey. It is not how long you have loved them; it is having them stand quietly by your side. Faithful forever. Thank you, my friends.

Treat