It had been over a year since my ex-husband, Ryan, and I finalized our divorce. We had gone our separate ways, and while things were civil for the sake of our two kids, we didn’t interact much beyond co-parenting logistics. So when I received a text from an unknown number one evening, I was caught off guard. The message was polite but direct: “Hi, this is Megan, Ryan’s girlfriend. I hope it’s okay that I reached out. I just have one question I need to ask you.”
Curiosity got the better of me, and I responded cautiously, asking what she wanted to know. Her reply came almost immediately: “Did Ryan cheat on you during your marriage?” I stared at the screen, stunned. The question hit me like a wave, bringing back emotions I thought I had buried. While infidelity wasn’t the only reason for our divorce, it had played a significant role, though I had never spoken openly about it. I hesitated, wondering whether I should even get involved, but ultimately decided Megan deserved the truth.
I replied with a simple but honest message, confirming that Ryan had been unfaithful and that his dishonesty had contributed to the end of our marriage. I also added that I hoped she would take care of herself and trust her instincts if she felt something was wrong. Megan thanked me, explaining that she had suspected something but hadn’t been able to shake the feeling of doubt. She apologized for dragging me into it and promised she wouldn’t bother me again.
After the exchange, I sat with mixed feelings—relief that I had spoken the truth, but also sadness for Megan and for myself. It was a reminder of the pain Ryan’s actions had caused, not just for me but potentially for someone else now. The experience reaffirmed my belief in honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable, and reminded me of the importance of valuing my own self-worth. Sometimes, the truth can be a painful gift, but it’s a necessary one.
