So – how does one eliminate (or prevent) the root of bitterness?

I had this relationship once … it lasted years.

It wouldn’t be honest of me to imply that it was all bad, but at the very least it was almost continually co-dependent. Overall, it wasn’t healthy – for either of us. In the end, I simply felt used.

“That’s okay, man ’cause I like the abuse!”

(The lyrics are particularly illustrative. You have no idea how many times I have sung them while thinking of this relationship.)

How many of you out there have been in those shoes … where you know you should go, but you just keep staying? Like Pacino (as Michael Corleone) said: “Just when I thought I was out – they pull me back in!”

And perhaps that’s where the bitterness starts. You finally make a way out … and you’re free now …

Or are you?

Letting go.

Forgiving … ourselves.

For me, it isn’t like I am haunted  … at least I don’t think so.

But the fact is that I still have contact … interaction … and the thing I have trouble facing is “living” the idea that I’ve moved on, when I am forced into “doing life” with the object of my disaster.

How to get past that?

I suppose – like anything – it is a choice. A matter of the will. We decide to grow past it, or we elect to carry the burden … in a way, we love it more than freedom.

I need to think on this some more …

Oh, yeah:

And don’t forget – to give me back my black t-shirt.