This year, two friends have become widows at a young age and I’ve been thinking how hard it must be to lose your partner, especially if you were together for a long time.

This in turn has led me to contemplate the opposite situation: how liberating it is to get rid of a bad relationship. Let’s talk about that instead of something sad.

Think about it: there’s a lot to appreciate about a crappy relationship!

The Upside While You’re In It

• You can concentrate your anger and frustration on one individual instead of spreading it around
• You develop a rich fantasy life, often involving that person being hit by a car or falling off a cliff
• Your own faults pale by comparison
• Your life is much more dramatic
• There’s always a new story to share with your friends
• You become much more knowledgeable about alcohol
• You can be sure your tear ducts are working
• There’s usually ice cream in the house

And When It’s Over

• Your murderous rage subsides
• You don’t have to watch endless sports/chick flicks
• You’re no longer subjected to someone else’s bodily functions
• You’re free from your partner’s annoying friends and family
• You can wear, eat and do whatever you want
• You can have sex with yourself, which is probably an improvement
• You have lots more free time
• You only have to attend your own boring business events
• You’ll really appreciate a GOOD relationship