Anonymous, 33, Stratford, CT USA

Lessons learned from my divorce: 1.) You cannot control the actions of others, but you do have complete control over your own reactions. No one can "make" you do anything. You will be surprised at how empowering this feels once you embrace it. 2.) Fake it 'til you make it. In other words, if you are going through a difficult time, paint on a smile (even if it kills you) and fake the cheerful facade. Eventually you will find that somehow you are no longer faking it and that your joy is genuine. On the flip side, if you focus exclusively on wallowing in your sorrows, it will be that much more difficult to find joy once again. 3.) Living well is the best revenge. While petty revenge may feel good for a moment, in the end you're going to want to be able to live a live with no regrets over actions taken in the heat of the moment. The inner peace and satisfaction that comes from knowing that you've acted with honor, dignity, and self-respect is priceless.
 

Whitney, 25, Washington, DC, USA

I was told once by my older sister something that has stuck with me for years. It is very simple, but so very powerful and true. She told me: "Whitney, you can NEVER be in a happy successful relationship until you are totally and completely happy being single." 


I told her to shove it at the time. 

Now, 5-6 years later, I know exactly what she meant. How can you make someone else happy if you aren't happy with yourself? How will you be able to stand on your own two feet if you have depended on someone else your whole life? I hate to admit it sometimes, but big sister knows best!! (Sometimes...)