In Favor of Breaking

There is nothing wrong with moving on through divorce to create distance between two people, escaping fierce conflict and bitter disagreement. What is wrong is allowing discord to flourish in the name of compromise, two people staying together while being profoundly miserable.

There is nothing wrong with remarrying at fifty, sixty, or even older to escape loneliness in a partner's absence, even when children are present. What is wrong is subjecting a beautiful life to the hellish torment of solitude—out of fear of society, fear of one's children, fear of what people will say—inflicting suffering upon oneself.

Not marrying due to personal reasons or lack of means is not a mistake. The mistake lies in ignoring personal circumstances or inability, marrying under social pressure, and turning another person's life into hell.

Enduring daily quarrels, disputes, and humiliation while dragging a toxic relationship through five, ten years or a decade, then celebrating these anniversaries is no act of valor; rather, the courage lies in breaking free from a toxic relationship, emerging from discord, and granting oneself peace.

Rising above relationships, marriage, or society to place one's own peace as the first priority—this is true justice to oneself.

Worrying about what people will say, what so-and-so will think, creating opportunities to torment oneself day after day with such concerns—this is the greatest crime one commits against oneself. It is not enough to give justice to others; sometimes we must render justice to ourselves. If we do not try to save ourselves, death becomes the only destination.

Life is singular—in this one life, live with some ease. Rather than thinking of others, think of yourself first in certain matters.

Where there is discord, step away even if respect remains; where there is happiness, kneel down and settle there even if disrespect exists. For one reason alone—our lives are as brief and fragile as an ant's. Rather than living a hundred years in unhappiness, let us live one or two years in contentment and peace!