Paradise by the Dashboard Light

(by Meat Loaf)

I couldn’t take it any longer Lord I was crazed
And when the feeling came upon me like a tidal wave
I started swearing to my god and on my mother’s grave
That I would love you to the end of time
I swore, that I would love you to the end of time
So now I’m praying for the end of time
To hurry up and arrive
‘Cause if I gotta spend another minute with you
I don’t think that I can really survive
I’ll never break my promise or forget my vow
But god only knows what I can do right now
I’m praying for the end of time
It’s all that I can do (oh oh oh)
Praying for the end of time, so I can end my life with you

True love….

Love at first sight….

Soulmate….

White picket fences….

Sometimes it’s not all sunshine and roses.  We all go into a new relationship with a positive outlook, hoping this is the one.  We walk down the aisle and pronounce our vows expecting to grow old with this person.

Unfortunately for many of us, that’s not always how things work out.  Somehow, when this happens and two people decide that “for better or for worse” is just no longer an option for them, that dark cloud of failure descends upon them.

It’s time to let go of this stigma of failure that society, intentionally or unintentionally, attaches to a divorce.

For the sake of both you and your partner, for the sake of your children, for the sake of your friends and family, sometimes the bravest and most honourable choice you can make, is the decision to separate, amicably and respectfully.

If you can take this step before things have gone too far down the dark road of discontent, you are more likely to be able to part on good terms.  And if you can part on good terms, every single person impacted by your separation, and most importantly you, will be so much better positioned to move on with your lives, building healthy new realities and relationships.

Perhaps the notion of a lifetime commitment is not a realistic expectation and simply puts too much pressure on a relationship.  We can only do our best for the sake of the kids, our families and each other.  But there may come at a time where our best is no longer enough.  Now it may be time to honour your commitment to yourself first.

I say do what works, while it works.  And when it stops working, well maybe it’s time consider your options and your priorities and make some healthy changes for the better.