My parents were married for 26 years, and I was just four when they divorced. Apart from the time my mom sat me down to explain that my dad was moving to a new house and that I’d get to visit him, no one really talked about it, and I never bothered to ask.
Out of all the kids, it affected me the least. My siblings, however, took it much harder, especially my sister, who had always been my dad’s little princess, while I was his pumpkin.
As I got older, I couldn’t help but wonder why my parents had divorced, but no one seemed eager to have those conversations. One day, I finally asked my mom. Her answer caught me off guard: “I just couldn’t keep up with your dad’s career anymore.”
That wasn’t the first reason that would’ve come to mind.
My dad worked hard, sure, but I also remembered him being there—putting me to bed, flying me around like an aeroplane, dressing up as a superhero for my daddy-daughter tea, and spending Christmases together.
Despite his demanding job, he was still very present in my life.
But my mom’s words left a lasting impression. They made me realise that sometimes, the reasons behind life’s biggest events are far more complex than they seem.
It wasn’t just about being physically present; it was about emotional presence, communication, and understanding each other’s needs.
When I entered my own marriage, I carried this lesson with me. I knew that communication had to be a priority if I wanted to avoid the same fate as my parents.
Whenever my husband and I faced challenges, I made a conscious effort to talk things through. I’d share my feelings, and listen to his.
I didn’t want work, stress, or life’s demands to create distance between us.
My parents’ divorce taught me the importance of communication in a relationship. It inspired me to be proactive in my own marriage, to ensure that both my husband and I felt heard, valued, and connected.
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