Feb. 13, 2023 — This is dedicated to the ones we love

Monday Morning Magic from Inkandescent® PR + Publishing Co. — Love stories. We all have them. Sometimes these relationships are big and bold and last forever. Too often, they don’t. Sharing powerful stories is the mission of our book project, Why Divorce — 5 Reasons to Leave: Abuse, Addiction, Adultery, Abandonment, Angst. www.WhyDivorce.us

As with all of our Inkandescent® Books in the Works: We share a chapter a month so you can follow along as the book is penned. It is a gift from our Inkandescent authors to our readers, entitled: Enjoy a serial with breakfast.

Since February 2022: We have been posting monthly chapters of Why Divorce, starting with my love story, 108 First Dates and 1 Perfect Lover: https://whydivorce.us/intro-108-first-dates-and-one-perfect-lover After all, I don’t think it’s fair to ask others to share theirs without also sharing mine.

Never cut what you can untie: I also believe that separating from the ones we love with grace is not just preferable to all concerned in a breakup, it’s mandatory. But it’s not always possible, as you’ll read in the case studies of those who have been abused. “Leaving any way you can is the goal,” says Brandy, who shares her story here. “The horror is that when you try to leave, that’s when the worst violence begins.” https://whydivorce.us/category/abuse.

Why Divorce: Illustration by michaelglenwood.com

Here’s the good news: “I found that filling out the Why Divorce survey was harder than I thought it would be, but after doing it I feel better than I have in years,” shares one of our case study contributors. “I didn’t want to conjure up those memories and relive the pain of my divorce. But after answering the questions, it was like a weight was lifted. I recommend sharing your case study. It’s like therapy, but better, because your story may be the one that helps someone else struggling with divorce to realize they are not alone.”

Abuse. Addiction. Adultery. Abandonment. Angst. “None of the 5 reasons feel good as you are going through them,” admits another contributor. “But I, for one, can honestly say that the life you will have on the other side of deciding to leave a troubled marriage is worth it.” Click here to fill out the survey: https://whydivorce.us/whats-your-story

As for me: This month marks three years since my divorce was finalized; Feb. 1 would have been our 28th anniversary. And I continue to process the end of my 25-year marriage. It’s a blessing that my ex-husband and I are still friends, co-parents, and business partners. In fact, he is illustrating and designing this book (you’ll find his beautiful work at michaelglenwood.com). While I am planning to write the last chapter of the book, “Divorcing My Best Friend,” I haven’t yet mustered the courage. After all, love stories have their own rhythm. I’ll know when it’s time.

For now, I invite you to share your story with our readers. Please send me an email with thoughts: hopekatzgibbs@gmail.com.

And, I leave you with this parting thought from Jennifer Weiner, author of Fly Away Home: “There are different types of love in this world. Love is beautiful, but being in love and staying in love are different entities. It’s up to you to listen to what your heart says.”

Until next Monday: May you, first and foremost, give yourself hugs, kisses, roses, and oodles of love on this beautiful Valentine’s Day. — Hope Katz Gibbs, founder and president, Inkandescent® Inc. Inkandescent.us

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