I always feel partly responsible for my ex-boyfriends’ success. For, I was there when times were tough. No money, no job.  Just a dream. I was there when no one quite understood what it was that they were seeking after. I was there when no one cared about their plans for success.

Some time has passed since my exes and I have gone our separate ways. It didn’t work out between me and them for various reasons, but one thing will never change.  I will never change the way I feel about their ability to fulfill their dreams. I still smile when they tell me about a business plan that has finally come into fruition, a graduate degree that has finally been earned, or a promotion that has finally been achieved at their jobs.

When we were together, one thing that my exes could always depend on is my ability to support and encourage whenever its needed. I have been a shoulder to cry on when they’ve failed. I have been a voice of encouragement when they were feeling discouraged or a comic relief when they felt like crying.

While some women become bitter when their ex becomes successful, I rejoice. I understand the role that I played in their success, so when they succeed, I feel like I’ve achieved something great also.

I know I’m not the only one who feels like this.

S&T Readers, how do you feel when you’re ex achieves a goal that he was diligently working towards while you two were dating?