Like Jr. High-aged couples everywhere, social media has been a point of contention between me and B since she told me she no longer wants to be married. The low point came when I was on vacation with B and child. B's soulmate commented on a thread in which B had checked in with me at a bar and posted a picture of me (although in B's defense, I think the beer was supposed to be the main point-not me).
I reflected on the time I punched a girl in the face on a street in Boston because she slept with my boyfriend (in the Biblical sense). And then I didn't know what to do, so I punched her again and called her various names (don't worry I also made sure he got his). Now, some number of decades later, I did not take a redeye back to Providence to punch someone in the face. I did not curse someone out on virtual Main Street. I didn't even make any acerbic comments. I just backed away and felt embarrassed and angry. I assured myself that the Other Woman was likely not a scary stalker who would break into our house and cut up all our sheets while we were away, but just another insecure and jealous soul like the rest of us-albeit one with less self-control. And I drew this diagram and gave it to B to give to her.
I am bitter. I'll own that, but I'll keep it here in my space. My street fighting days are over.