It’s been five years since my divorce from Ben, and though our marriage ended peacefully, his forgetfulness about special moments always stuck with me. We stayed friends for the kids and co-parented well. For our daughter’s 16th birthday, Ben brought his new girlfriend, Lisa. She was kind, friendly, and tried hard to make a good impression.

At the party, I received a birthday card from Bensomething he never did when we were married. I assumed Lisa had reminded him. Later, she quietly asked me if Ben ever got better at remembering birthdays. I laughed it off, saying, “That’s just how he is.”

That night, Lisa texted me, asking seriously if his behavior ever improved. I told her it was something she’d have to discover on her own. Months later, Ben called me, angry that Lisa left after he forgot their anniversary. I reminded him, “That’s exactly why we divorced.”

I later ran into Lisa, and she admitted she left because she felt unimportant. I told her she deserved someone who values her. In that moment, I realized I’d accepted less for too long. Thanks to her question, I was reminded of my own worth and I was finally at peace.