Carmen, you're a great example of someone who's figured out how to set aside your own worries for the people in your life. You have a great compassionate spirit, and I've learned a lot from you. :)

Cheryl, some of these difficult experiences really produce wheat-and-chaff moments, don't they? The difficult thing is that we're all human, so we all respond at times in ways we wish we wouldn't have. We also often misinterpret people's responses, by projecting our own pain into them. In other words, it's complicated. I try not to write anyone off too quickly. (Come to Portland! It's just one state away. I know—Cali is a big state.)

Cobalt-Blue, that's a really interesting question. My ex and I do have a solid, respectful relationship. It's that respect that makes writing about divorce etc. feel safe and OK to me. In other words, if I knew I was harboring a lot of resentment and anger still, I would hesitate to write anything at all about the topic, for fear that negative attitude would spill over. But I trust my feelings toward him are positive, and my motivation for writing here is to help others. Another guideline I use, any time I write about other people in my blog, is this: Am I telling *my* story, and is this person a natural, important character in my story? Or am I trying to tell *their* story? If I ever want to tell someone else's story (and sometimes I do), I ask them first.

Trina, thank you, once again, for your encouragement and your genuine, consistent activity in this Halfway to Normal community!

Elaine, that's so true—you understand it better than anyone!