I never imagined in a million years I would leave Mark, who really seemed like my perfect match.
Mark and I adored each others company and rarely fought.
We had greatsex, and often.
The author in Italy after her breakup. Courtesy of Savanna Swain-Wilson
We communicated openly and supported each others goals unconditionally.
We wanted to see each other succeed, and that alone made our love so genuine and pure.
Still, I couldnt shake this weird feeling in my gut that something wasnt right.
In every vision, I was alone.
It frustrated me that I couldnt just ignore those thoughts and be happy with Mark.
Mark was already taking the steps to give me this incredible life.
It seemed ridiculous that I was even considering any alternative when I had it so good with him.
But I knew I wasnt living up to my full potential by staying in ourrelationship.
Even though he encouraged me to pursue my dreams, I still felt like I was always compromising.
I made these sacrifices because I believed what we had together would always be enough.
I never learned how to seek fulfillment from within because I always looked for it in other people.
When I told Mark this, he insisted we could fix things by giving each other space.
I reminded him nothing about our relationship was brokenI just didnt want it anymore.
Maybe he was right, but it didnt matter.
For the first time, I wasnt willing to compromise, and it was liberating.
Youre going to regret losing this one day, he said as I turned away to leave.
Well, that was a risk I was willing to take.
I drove the scenic route more often because I wasnt rushing home to be with anybody but myself.
Every night, I ate exactly what I wanted for dinner.
Before, pineapple pizza wasnt an option because Mark despised it.
Now, its on the menu every week!
I said yes more often than no, and opened myself to new experiences without holding back.
Above all, I stopped being afraid of the unknown and instead started embracing the idea of possibility.
Yes, that includes romantic possibility.
*Name has been changed.
There’s a 10/10 chance she would ask to pet your dog.
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