I’m Profoundly Turned Off by Post-Divorce Social Media Pics with New Partners

I’m not naive or impressionable. I take pride in having been with my partner for twenty-five years, but I can also acknowledge the fragilities and problems in my marriage — many of which remain unresolved. The recent years have been especially hard, with arguments that involved hurt and disrespect. There is uncertainty, so I am by no means in a position to offer lessons on how to keep, or not keep, a family together.

This disclaimer aside, I’m still trying, I’m still committed.

Is this why I’m extra sensitive to observing my long-term acquaintances or even relatives sharing the joys of their new relationships?

I have a friend I met in business school almost twenty years ago. At that time, each of our families had one child, and later, both families ended up with four kids. Our wives were friends too. We kept in touch over the years.

Earlier this year, I spoke to my friend and was shocked to learn that he had divorced his wife several years ago. During that conversation, he mentioned his girlfriend, and recently I’ve seen his social media stories with his new partner.

There are other examples too. One of my family’s acquaintances lost her husband to a heart attack a couple of years ago. She often shared her grief and loving memories of him. A few weeks ago, she posted a picture of a ring from her new partner, along with photos of their time together.