Wow, I love this! Lessons I have learned, too! And I have to say...having just left a LENGTHY!! comment for you about the rift in that close friendship you mentioned...this story fits right in with what I said - about how that rift led you both down different - better - paths with marriages etc. So from where I sit, it looks like it was all part of the great plan for both your lives.

I'm so glad you've ended up in a happier relationship! Yay! That's wonderful!

Thank you for sharing all of these important points. So valuable for relationships of all kinds!