Life of Regret

I was recently talking with a friend about past relationships, and he asked, as do many, if I regret having spent so many years with my ex. You know, since we didn't get married and all. After giving a resounding absolutely not, I was very sad to learn that he regrets having spent so much time with his ex-girlfriend, especially moving to a new city with her. His comments made me feel overwhelming pity for him, not pity for his situation, but rather pity for his decisions - the decision to stay with her and live with her, the decision to focus on the negative in the relationship rather than all of the wonderful times I know they shared. But selfishly, it also made me vastly appreciative of my own decisions - the decision to follow my heart, the decision to choose love.

I am still in awe that people view relationships that don't "end" in marriage as failed relationships. I think our relationship was a huge success on so many levels. My only regret would be if he regretted having spent so much time with me...

Another relationship that often gets questionable looks by those closest to me is the one with my Caribbean boyfriend. After almost nine months, we are still as close as we ever were, regardless of the many miles between us. This week was a big one in our story, and though I will spare you the details, I will say that no matter where our paths lead, he has a piece of my heart that no one else will ever have. Yes, I hope we will see each other again, but regardless, as we joke, he will ALWAYS be my Caribbean boyfriend. My life is infinitely changed and infinitely better for having made the decision to travel alone, the decision to keep him in my life. 

A life of regret. That's just not in the cards for me.