51st Way to Leave Your Lover

Special to FreeRepublic ^ | 26 November 2005 | John Armor (Congressman Billybob)

[RightWingAtheist]

My aunt and her ex also managed to stay friends-best friends, actually- after they split amicably. There was no alcohol or violence or anything. I know at least two other women who stayed friends with their exes after the split. In one case, they just weren't ready for marriage, having tied the knot right out of high school.

[Palmetto]

And lets face it, even many of the greatest jobs on a hypothetical level become quite sucky on a day to day basis. Anybody who prefers this over a loving mate is, put simply, no mate of mine.

True indeed. There's a reason why it's called a "job."

Best thing I ever did was turn down a "dream job" out of town in order to tend to family concerns at home. I would have never forgiven myself if I had left then.

[Sioux-san]

That's what I was thinking. This sounds more like an business relationship than a marriage. Consequently, reason dictates that when circumstances change and something "better" comes along, then we dissolve the obsolete relationship -- no reason to try to work things out.

My question is this: If Billybob was willing to chuck everything and go with his wife, would that have made her happy or angry?

[Gritty]

Opening this article and reading it's subject was a bit of a shocker, John. I can't say it was a pleasant surprise in the least.

I know you have sustained some painful experiences in your life, and no doubt this will rank with the others. Being spurned by Kem (at least this is what it appears to be) for a prospective career on a remote island is baffling to all of us. But as you indicate, there is a lot more to the story than can be put in 700 words. While you have chosen to make some of it our business in the end most of it is not - nor should we assume it is. At least your parting seems amicable, which is thin gruel to the more painful issue of having a hole ripped into your life and ending the marriage of two talented individuals who seemed to so well complement each other in a marriage.

We both wish you and Kem the best but cannot pretend this is the outcome either of you envisioned when you married. All you both can do now is pick up the pieces and move on.

John

[Congressman Billybob]

I appreciate the great number of kind wishes that have been expressed here. I agree with the fervent hopes you expressed. And I thank you all -- for I have two families, one of which is here on FreeRepublic.

Cordially,

Congressman Billybob

Latest column: "MSNBC Gets It Right on Illegal Immigration"

Post Script to Laz: I didn't think you HAD a sentimental side. I'm delighted to see it come out, my friend.

[Congressman Billybob]

Ah, my friend, you raise the critical question. And the answer isn't pretty. But I chose not to put that downer in the article.

John / Billybob

[HitmanLV]

Very few people 'get' this. :)